When the Weather Gets Hot: How to Provide Comfort and Care to the Elderly
Hot, humid days can be overbearing for some seniors receiving elderly care services. Whether you are a care companion, a senior, or the child of a senior providing care, it’s important to pay attention to the hot weather. Breathing problems, heat-related exhaustion, and dehydration can impact a senior even more so in the hot weather. Pay attention to the heat index and know when to head indoors for air-conditioned relief from the hot air. If you have a loved one that you are worried about in the hot weather, it’s time to check in with Fairfield Family Care in Stamford, CT to see what services can be provided.
Be Mindful of Hydration
Dehydration is a leading cause of illness when the weather gets hot and humid. For those providing elderly care services, it is important to provide plenty of opportunities to drink water for the individual you are caring for. If you are going out for the afternoon, bring plenty of cold water to keep you and the senior safe from dehydration. If the senior reports feeling hot or hasn’t had anything to drink for over an hour, it’s time to find a cool, quiet place to relax.
Clothing Makes a Big Difference
Pay attention to what you wear during hot, humid weather. While a sweater may feel necessary in an air-conditioned room, it won’t be necessary once a senior goes outside in hot, humid weather. If you are a care companion, check that the senior you are caring for is wearing comfortable layers, that the clothing is light and appropriate for the weather.
Stay Out of the Hot Noon Time Sun
When you have to do errands with a senior in your life, try to schedule appointments before ten or in the late afternoon. Going out in the direct noontime sun can be too much for some seniors, especially when the weather has been hot for a number of days. If you must go out to do errands, bring a hat and plenty of water, and look for signs of overheating. Look for spaces that are air conditioned and spend some time in the cool air.
Take Your Time
If the weather is hot and humid, it’s time to slow down. Do minimal errands or chores around the house. Plan ahead for any outings and leave extra early so that you aren’t trying to rush around. Heading out to the movies is a great idea in the hot weather. If the heat index is too high, spending time at the beach may be too much for a senior who is medically fragile. While an individual may be able to go out to a lake or beach, getting back after sun exposure and exhaustion may be difficult.
Always Check for Warning Signs
Even a healthy individual can exhibit heat-related symptoms when the weather is too hot and humid. Difficulty breathing, nausea, headaches, dizziness, reported chest pain, or fainting can all mean a person is overheated and suffering from some type of heat-related illness. If symptoms occur, it’s time to assess the situation. While mild symptoms may be relieved by finding a cool drink of water and an air-conditioned place to sit, symptoms that are severe will require immediate medical attention.
Protection, Hydration, and Support in the Hot Weather
In the hot weather, protection, hydration, and support are the keys to providing quality senior in-home care. Look for activities that are easy, such as going to the movies, making a craft, or playing cards. If you must go out, try earlier in the day. Pay attention to the clothing worn by a senior receiving care and look for ways to minimize overheating. If symptoms begin to occur, know who to call in the event of an emergency. While enjoying the warm weather months is possible, it is smart to take precautions.
If you have a loved one who needs senior in-home care, it’s time to call Fairfield Family Care, serving Stamford, Connecticut, and the surrounding area at 203-349-3065. Set up a free initial consultation for elderly care services by making a call or filling out the online form.