Ways to Prevent Heat Stroke in Seniors

1. Understand your older adult’s health conditions

   1. Check with their doctor to find out if medications or treatments, like diuretics or low-salt diets, could affect the way their bodies regulate temperature.

   2. Ask if there are special things you need to do if you see signs of heat stroke. For example, common remedies like sports drinks or lots of water could be harmful for some seniors.

2. Identify heat stroke symptoms for fast treatment

   1. Print this one-page handout so you’ll know how to spot the signs of heat stroke.
      

   2. If they are overheating, call 911 or their doctor to get professional medical attention as soon as possible. In the meantime, try to cool them down using the treatment methods listed.

3. Encourage water intake and dress for the weather

   1. Remind your older adult to drink water throughout the day. A body that’s hydrated feels cooler and regulates temperature better (water that’s too cold could cause cramps).

   2. Make sure their clothes are as light, loose, and breathable as possible.

4. Stay cool at home

   1. Keep the house as cool as possible by using inexpensive mylar sheets as DIY reflective solar curtains to block out sun and heat.

   2. Since heat rises, stay on the ground floor or basement of the house.

   3. Buy an indoor A/C unit or contact a local air conditioning store or chain store to find out if you can rent one.

5. Stay cool outside the house

   1. If the house is too hot, you may need to go somewhere to keep cool:

      1. Relative or friend’s house

      2. Shopping mall or grocery store

      3. Public library

      4. Senior center or city recreation center

      5. Coffee shop or restaurant

6. Use caution with electric fans

   1. Electric fans can trick the body into thinking it’s cooler than it actually is, but don’t protect people from heat-related illnesses once the temperature reaches the high 90s.

   2. The CDC recommends using electric fans only when the temperature is below the high 90s otherwise it’s better to take a cool shower or use an air conditioner to cool down.

Original article can be found at DailyCaring .com

#indigonursing #agingparents #aginginplace #alzheimers  #assistedliving #caregiving #dementiacare #DMVcare #eldercare #elderly #homeattendant #homecare #homecareservices  #homehealth #memorycare#northernvahomecare #nursing #preventiontips #seniorcare #seniorhealth #virginiahomecare #heatstroke #summer #staycool #heatstrokeprevention #staycool