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Tips for Beating the Heat Senoirs are especially vulnerable to heat-related illness. May 28, 2009 When the heat is upon us its effect can be far more severe on the elderly. Keep in mind that there are things you can do to keep heat exhaustion and heat stroke at bay.
Heat stroke can be life threatening if not treated promptly and with the elderly, this threat can come quickly.
With a heat stroke, the body is unable to control its internal temperature. There are many factors that affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature and many of those things affect the elderly. These include dehydration, heart disease, poor circulation and medication. Signs of heat stroke can include the following:
- Very high body temperature >103°
- Hot, red, dry skin with no perspiration
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Severe headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
Emergency assistance must be called for immediately, or else they can go into an unconscious state. The elderly person should be cooled quickly in a cool shower or by placing cool cloths on the head, around the neck, and under the armpits and in between the legs.
Heat exhaustion is not as severe as heat stoke. It can develop after many hot days with lack of fluids or a fluid imbalance. Heat exhaustion that goes untreated can lead to heat stroke. Signs of heat exhaustion can include the following:
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Headache
- Pale, sweaty, cool skin
- Muscle cramps
The elderly person should wear lightweight clothing that is made of a breathable fabric. Stay in a cool air-conditioned place or use a fan. A cool shower or sponge bath, with rest will help. Cool non-alcoholic beverages will help cool the body.
As a person ages they feel less thirsty, which can lead to dehydration. A special effort should be made to encourage fluids and you should have the person drink 6-8 glasses a day, if permitted by the physician. This takes a lot of persistence and gentle prodding. An individual’s fluid balance can be affected by many things; medication, emotional stress, nutrition and hot weather. Dehydration in the elderly can cause confusion, muscle weakness and nausea. Nausea will prevent the elderly from wanting to eat, therefore causing more dehydration.
The heat can affect anyone and we should all remember to try our best to stay cool. But keep in mind that our elderly population needs to have our special attention, because they are more susceptible to its dangerous consequences. |
