Caregiving In Hot Weather

When we hear weather described as “treacherous,” images of blizzards or hurricanes usually come to mind. But sunny summertime can also bring hazards.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more people die from extreme heat than from other weather conditions. Extreme heat can be especially dangerous for older people, who are more susceptible to heat stroke, dehydration and sunburn.

Caregivers should have a plan ready for their loved one if a heat wave strikes this summer and to take a few steps to prevent negative sun-related incidents. Heat stroke occurs when a person's temperature control system stops working and the body can no longer cool itself down. As the temperatures climb to 90 degrees and above, be sure to have your loved one stay inside, preferably in air-conditioning.

If your loved one's home is not air-conditioned, make sure they have adequate fans operating. Better yet, at the hottest points of the day, take them to an air-conditioned environment such as a shopping mall, senior center or church. Many urban areas will have cooling centers for older people to gather in if their dwelling doesn't have air conditioning.

However, some older adults will not leave their apartments or homes. Be sure to check on your loved one. Go to their house, or if you are a long distance caregiver, be sure to have someone visit them.

The effects of dehydration can happen quickly and can be quite harmful for older people. Dehydration can cause headaches, muscle cramps, dizziness, confusion and fainting. Encourage your loved one to drink plenty of fluids. Do not offer beverages containing caffeine or alcohol, since those may exacerbate the problem. Do offer fresh fruit as a tasty snack and also a good source of liquid.

Your loved one may not have sunscreen on their shopping list, so it would be a good idea to buy a fresh supply to bring to their house. An older person may not feel that it is necessary to protect their skin from the sun, but older people's skin is more delicate and prone to dryness, which can be made worse by sun damage. In addition, some medications common among older adults increase sensitivity to the sun.

As a caregiver, you need to be sure your loved one is following the sun safety rules, such as using sunscreen, wearing a large brim hat and light, loose fitting clothing, and staying out of the sun between 10am-2pm.

Enjoy the warm weather with your loved one. Take advantage of the opportunities to go outside, breath in some fresh summer air, watch the children play, take a walk and enjoy an ice cream cone. Just be sure to do it safely by taking sun and heat precautions seriously.