June 2, 2010
SUMMER HAS BEGUN AND IT IS TIME TO REMIND OUR HEALTHY AGING IN HOME SENIORS AND THEIR CAREGIVERS TO TAKE SOME STEPS TO HELP PREVENT DEHYDRATION, HEAT EXHAUSTION AND HEAT STROKE
By Carol Carbutti
The dog days of summer are upon us again. Comfort Keepers of Wallingford, CT an in home caregiving agency would like to mention to our at home seniors and their family caregivers that more people die of heat-related causes than from hurricanes, lightning, floods, and tornadoes combined? During an average summer, about 1,500 people die from these events. The group that is affected the most from heat related illness is our elderly senior population because they usually live alone with a limited income. The heat also affects them if they are immobile or take medications that are diuretics. Family Caregivers and Private personal care assistants need to be aware of their aging mom or dads chronic medical conditions including obesity, cardiovascular lung disease, and diabetes.
To prevent heat exhaustion during the summer our healthy aging seniors need to make sure they drink plenty of liquids since many heat related illnesses occur when the body is dehydrated. Dehydration is a condition where the body lacks sufficient water and electrolytes which are needed to lower its internal temperature on hot days. According to Dr. Jane Potter, president of the American Geriatric Society, older adults are at risk because the aging process changes our physiology. Seniors do not sweat as much as younger adults and sweating is how the body lowers its temperature. Simply using a fan will not be effective without sweat; Elderly parents need to remain in a cool, air conditioned environment, take cool baths, or spray themselves with water to lower their body temperature.
The most common symptoms of dehydration that caregivers and companions need to be aware of include thirst, going to the bathroom less often, dry skin, fatigue, light-headedness, dizziness, confusion, and increased heart and breathing rates. In mild cases, simply drinking fluids, particularly a “sports” type drink, effectively restores body fluids. More serious cases, which require immediate medical attention, include heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Signs of heat exhaustion and stroke include muscle cramps, fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and fainting. The skin is often cool and the person’s pulse is weak and rapid. Untreated, this condition is life-threatening. If you recognize any of these symptoms while caring for your elderly parent or client, call for help immediately, cool them down by any means possible, and apply ice packs to the neck, armpits, and behind the knees.
Now is a great time for family members to take some precautions: make sure there is a supply of water (water bottles for outdoor activities), check to be sure fans and air conditioning equipment are functioning properly, and establish a “check-in” routine with senior adults who are vulnerable. If your aging parent requires assistance during a heat wave, establish a relationship with a local home care company before the summer season begins. Make a plan now for what to do when the weather gets hot to avoid any future issues.
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