When the weather heats up, seniors can suffer. Higher temperatures can be uncomfortable for lots of folks, but seniors are especially vulnerable to health issues related to extreme heat. Figuring out ways to help aging adults avoid those issues is incredibly important as summer gets closer. Senior home care providers can help families make sure that seniors are ready for staying safe in hotter weather.
Exercising in the Heat Can Be Too Much
Seniors might find that exercising in hotter weather leaves them more susceptible to issues like cramps and edema. Exercise works muscles, but making muscles work in hot weather makes them exhausted much more quickly than during cooler weather. This can be dangerous for seniors, especially if they have health conditions that also cause them to tire out quickly. Engaging in lighter activities during the cooler part of the day can help a lot. Also, it helps if seniors have help from elder care providers to stay aware of how they’re feeling and whether they need to stop, rest, and hydrate.
Heat Can Be Disorienting
Depending on medications, health issues, and whether or not seniors are feeling well, heat can cause them to become disoriented. Being too active in warmer weather or becoming dehydrated exacerbate the effects of heat, making the situation worse. Protective clothing, sticking to shaded areas, and sipping water can all help seniors to reduce the impact of heat if they have to be outside. Ideally, staying inside is much cooler and better supports safety during hot weather.
Heat Irritates Skin
Hotter weather also affects senior skin. If seniors are particularly sensitive to the sun, they might experience a rash or irritated area. Seniors may also experience skin irritation if they’re wearing clothing that’s too tight or that doesn’t breathe well. Dressing appropriately and protecting the skin helps aging adults avoid these issues, and home care providers can help them to stay comfortable.
Hot Weather Illnesses Are More Urgent for Seniors
Seniors are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses than younger people might be. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke both can occur when seniors become overheated. Of the two conditions, heat exhaustion is milder and is a warning for seniors to cool down and hydrate. Symptoms include feeling dizzy or weak and sweating excessively. Heat stroke can occur if seniors don’t pay attention to heat exhaustion and it can be life-threatening if ignored. Symptoms of heat stroke can include a rapid pulse, sudden fever, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
Hydrate and Focus on Safety
Staying safe in hotter weather means helping seniors notice how they’re feeling and proactively make choices to keep them from overheating. Proper hydration makes a huge difference in helping seniors to regulate their body temperatures. Senior home care providers can remind seniors to sip water frequently, keeping them well hydrated. Caregivers can also help seniors remember to wear broad-spectrum sunscreen and protective gear like sunglasses and hats with wide brims.
Hotter weather can have a huge negative impact on senior well-being. Working with senior home care providers to keep seniors safer and healthier helps them stay comfortable and hopefully avoid heat-related complications.
If you or an aging loved one are considering senior home care in Memorial, TX for an aging loved one, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.
At Your Side Home Care, provides exceptional home care assistance for seniors and families in Houston, West Houston, Katy, Memorial, The Heights, Spring Valley, Garden Oaks, Hunters Creek, River Oaks, Hilshire Village, Galleria, Cinco Ranch, Spring Branch, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenburg, Piney Point, Bay City and surrounding areas.
Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.
Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week
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