Summer Safety Checklist for Seniors
Summer is officially in full swing and we’d like to remind our elderly individuals and their caregivers to be proactive to deal with the hot summer months to avoid many common issues.
While we’re still in a pandemic state, the gradual reopening of trails, parks, and restaurants can be joyous for kids & adults, but it’s surely not that amusing for the elderly who are more prone to dehydration, heatstroke, and fainting.
As per experts, seniors with underlying diseases are more vulnerable to the effects of heat as their body isn’t quickly adjusted to extreme temperatures.
A recent survey revealed that every year thousands of Americans face heat-related issues leading to severe illness and death.
This year is going to be tougher for seniors to remain cool outside as they need to be more careful to prevent COVID-19 and wearing masks along with full sleeve clothes may increase the chance of heatstroke.
We understand the current situation and here we have made a checklist of safety measures to help seniors and caregivers to minimize the impact of heat this summer.
Dress Appropriately
Since this summer isn’t like the ones we’ve enjoyed with fewer clothes and a cheerful mood, you need to be very careful about how you dress.
One should cover themselves with full-sleeved clothing and high collars to ensure adequate safety to prevent the impact of the sun’s harmful rays.
Caregivers must ensure their elders wear light cotton clothes both indoors & outdoors so that their body keeps breathing in extreme temperatures.
Staying Hydrated — Your Biggest Priority
It crucial for you to ensure you drink plenty of water throughout the day during the summer. Many elders fail to keep themselves hydrated during the summer, which leads to severe health issues that may even require medical attention.
Make it a habit to carry a water bottle whenever you go outdoors even if you find the day isn’t overly hot.
Here’s what else can be done to stay hydrated:
- Eat more water-rich vegetables & fruits like watermelon, grapefruit, peaches, etc.
2. Drink coconut water
3. Avoid caffeine and alcohol
4. Add more veggies in your diet
5. Avoid over-spiced foods
Stay in Touch
Extreme temperatures can be life-threatening for seniors, and communication plays a crucial role in ensuring their safety.
Seniors should let friends & family know if they’re planning to spend an extended period outdoors. Moreover, caregivers should ensure the overall health of their loved ones in the summer to avoid any issue while they’re involved in any outdoor activities even including gardening.
Also, older adults should have an emergency contact number with them every time they head outdoors.
Know the Risks of Hyperthermia
High body temperatures during summers can lead to a severe medical condition called hyperthermia. It is important to know the warning signs of hyperthermia and seek medical attention immediately if you think you or your loved ones are having any of the symptoms associated.
The symptoms include:
1. Body temperature around or above 103°F
2. Changed behavior- confusion or irritability
3. Vomiting and nausea
4. Headache
5. Fainting
One should seek medical help if they, or someone they know, is showing any of these symptoms.
Check the Forecast before Stepping Out
We advise you to stay at home until it’s crucial and can’t be managed. Otherwise, t’s good to check the weather forecast before leaving home so that you can be well prepared in advance to avoid bad weather & after-effects.
Use Sunscreen & Wear a Hat
When going outdoors, one should wear sunscreen and a hat to avoid direct exposure to the sun. As a caregiver, you should remind your clients to apply sunscreen, wear sunshades & hats, and take the necessary steps to avoid any chance of heatstroke.
It’s equally important for seniors to limit their stay in the sun even if they’re taking adequate precautions. One should always consider the type of outdoor activity.
Air Conditioning
Caregivers should ensure that their loved ones spend as much time as possible in air-conditioned rooms or spaces. This will not only mitigate any chance of heatstroke but also reduces issues like dehydration.
Also, the air quality of air-conditioned space is comparatively good that aids the overall mental-well-being of the seniors.
Spotting & Treating Health Issues Caused by Heat
It’s crucial to recognize whether the sudden change in weather is making you sick, and when you should seek help. Here is a list of health issues that are caused by exposure to heat:
Dehydration: Loss of water in your body can lead to severe illness if not treated properly.
Warning signs: Headache, weakness, dizziness, muscle cramps, and confusion.
What to do: Drink plenty of water and consider an electrolyte drink that plays a crucial role in regulating the heart rate. When a person is dehydrated, the body loses electrolytes. Once you feel better after having fluids, it’s still recommended to consult your physician if you have any underlying disease.
Heat Exhaustion: A severe medical condition caused by too much heat & dehydration. It may lead to heat stroke (we’ll discuss later), which requires medical attention.
Warning signs: No sweating or heavy sweating, tiredness, muscle cramps, dizziness, weakness, muscle cramps, fast & weak pulse, headache, and fainting. The body temperature in this condition can reach up to 104°F.
What to do: It’s crucial to move to a shady & cool place, preferably an air-conditioned space. Drink plenty of fluids including sports drinks with an adequate amount of electrolytes. If you don’t feel well, get in touch with a medical professional or call 911 immediately.
Heat Stroke: Heat stroke is the severe heat impact on your body that raises the body’s temperature and can be deadly.
Warning signs: A sudden rise in body temperature that can be around or above 104°F, red & hot dry skin, rapid pulse rate, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, lethargy, and confusion.
What to do: If you encounter these symptoms, it’s recommended to call 911 immediately and preferable moving to a cool and shady place. Douse yourself or your loved one with cool and put clothes soaked with water on the ankles, wrists, and neck to reduce the temperature. Note: if you’re caring for an elder and they face heatstroke, give them cool water to drink only when they’re awake. Don’t give them water to drink if they’re drowsy as it may lead to choking.
