For many seniors, there’s nothing better than a summer full of adventure with family and friends. From reunions and cookouts to fairs and concerts, there are plenty of ways for them to have fun and stay engaged.
However, if you’re worried about heat stroke in elderly loved ones, it can be hard to enjoy spending time outside with them when it’s hot. You might have heard that older adults are more vulnerable to overheating than younger people. That’s true, but it doesn’t have to be a cause for alarm. As long as you know the signs of heat stroke and keep sun safety for seniors in mind, they’ll be able to spend more time outside with you—and you’ll be able to enjoy it without stressing about their health.
Why are Seniors Vulnerable to Heat?
Seniors tend to be more vulnerable to the effects of hot weather, including heat stroke, than younger people are. This can be for a variety of reasons:
- Heat can exacerbate the effects of many chronic conditions like heart disease or diabetes.
- They may take medications that interfere with their body’s ability to regulate its temperature (such as by making it harder to notice when they’re thirsty or reducing the amount of water they retain).
- Their doctor may have put them on a reduced-fluid diet to treat conditions like kidney disease.
Even if your loved one doesn’t have a condition that makes them sensitive to heat, it’s best to look out for signs of heat stroke.
Symptoms of Heat Stroke in Elderly People
Knowing when seniors aren’t doing well on a hot day isn’t just about their health; it’s also about your own peace of mind. If you know common signs of heat stroke and how to prevent it, you can focus on enjoying your time together.
Look out for:
- Dry skin, especially if it’s red or feels hot.
- Disorientation, confusion or agitation.
- Nausea.
- Headache.
- Rapid pulse.
If you suspect your loved one might be experiencing heat stroke, call 911, and do anything you can to cool them down in the meantime. Get them into an air-conditioned indoor space (or at least out of the sun), spray them with cold water, place ice packs on their body and help them remove excess layers.
The good news is, if you’re familiar with hot weather safety for older adults, it’s not likely to come to that.
How to Prevent Heat Stroke in Elderly Loved Ones
Heat stroke is simple to prevent as long as you make use of tips to beat the heat. Here are some of the best ways to help your loved one stay cool during a heat wave—and to put your own mind at ease.
Find a Good Spot
Be strategic when you’re picking a spot for your time outdoors with your loved one. Look for somewhere with lots of shade, cold drinking water and easy access to an air-conditioned building you can go inside. Don’t go too far from the car—it’s important to be able to pack it in quickly if the heat becomes too much.
Time It Right
Try to schedule your outing in the morning or evening when it’s cooler out. Evenings are best because the light will linger for a few hours, giving your loved one time to enjoy themselves without feeling rushed.
Take Cool-Down Breaks
If you’re near an air-conditioned building, encourage your loved one to head inside and cool down every half hour or so. If you’re worried that they might feel excluded, try taking those cool-down breaks yourself and inviting them to join you.
Dress to Beat the Heat
A good summer outfit makes a huge difference. Look for light, breathable fabrics in loose cuts that offer lots of airflow. Linen, polyester or rayon are the best fabric options, but cotton is a good fallback as long as it’s not too humid out. While shorts and tees can be tempting, it’s best to get styles that offer as much skin coverage as possible to ward off direct sunlight.
Hydrate—A Lot
Many seniors have reduced thirst cues, so they may not notice until they’re already slightly dehydrated. Make sure to do anything you can to make it easier for your loved one to hydrate on a hot day. Always have water on hand and encourage them to drink at regular intervals. Adding flavor packets or sliced fruit may help seniors who don’t like the taste of plain water.
Beat the Heat With a Professional Caregiver
There’s plenty to enjoy about the summer months, and a professional caregiver from FirstLight Home Care can help your loved one make the most of them. Through companion care, our caregivers can take them to and from outdoor gatherings and help them stay cool and hydrated once they’re there.
Ready to make this your loved one’s best summer yet? Contact us today, and we’ll put you in touch with a FirstLight Home Care agency in your area.