Stay Safe This Summer with Senior Care in Phoenix
As the temperatures rise in Phoenix, AZ, during the summer months, it is important to take extra precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of seniors. Comfort Keepers offers compassionate senior care in Phoenix and can help ensure that your loved ones stay safe and comfortable during the hot weather.
It is important to recognize symptoms of heat-related illnesses, especially in seniors, as the country experiences prolonged hot summers. Our bodies regulate temperature constantly, but excessive heat can push them beyond their limits, leading to heat-related illnesses. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to these conditions. Our professional caregivers can take preventative measures to help your loved ones stay healthy and active during the summer.
How Heat Impacts Us as We Age
Seniors may not feel the heat as acutely as younger individuals and may not realize the dangers of high temperatures. As we age, our bodies lose some ability to regulate temperature, making seniors more vulnerable to temperature fluctuations. The thinning of the subcutaneous fat layer beneath the skin reduces natural insulation to heat and cold. Additionally, seniors perspire less, making it more difficult for them to stay cool and increasing their risk of overheating.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious conditions that can affect seniors when exposed to high temperatures. Heat exhaustion, caused by the loss of salt and fluids from the body due to prolonged heat exposure, is characterized by symptoms like headache, nausea, fatigue, and profuse sweating.
If you notice your senior loved one showing signs of heat exhaustion, it's important to act quickly. Take them to a cool, dry place to rest. Loosen or remove their clothing. Apply cool water and fan their skin. Use ice wrapped in a towel on their head, neck, armpits, and groin. Encourage them to drink cool water without ice. Electrolyte drinks can also help. Heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke if not treated promptly.
Comfort Keepers caregivers provide senior care in Phoenix to support seniors and be on a constant lookout for any signs of distress. Our Caregivers will also work to keep seniors indoors when the temperature outside is unsafe.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that needs immediate medical attention. It happens when the body can't cool itself, often due to a high core temperature, and stops sweating. Factors like obesity, heart disease, diabetes, certain medications, dehydration, and alcohol consumption in hot weather can increase the risk of heat stroke.
Symptoms of heat stroke can include headache, dizziness, changes in blood pressure, disorientation, confusion, fatigue, seizures, skin changes, fainting, unconsciousness, increased body temperature, rapid heartbeat, and hallucinations.
Dehydration
Seniors can face dehydration from prolonged heat exposure. Individuals aged 65 and older may not feel thirsty and might not drink enough water. Additionally, older people have a decreased ability to sweat, which helps regulate body temperature. Many seniors also have underlying health conditions and take medications that can increase their risk of dehydration and sensitivity to sunlight.
Dehydration occurs when our bodies lose salts and water due to factors like sweating, heat, vomiting, diarrhea, and certain medications. Severe dehydration can be dangerous for older individuals as there may not be enough fluid to carry blood to their organs. Symptoms of dehydration include thirst, dry skin, fatigue, confusion, lightheadedness, dry mouth, increased heart and breathing rates, and decreased urination. If a senior is dehydrated, they should be moved to a cool place to rest and drink water to rehydrate.
Our caregivers work to prevent dehydration and other dangers in seniors. At Comfort Keepers, we train our caregivers to look out for signs of heat-related issues and take action immediately. Here are tips that can help family caregivers as well:
Encourage your senior to stay hydrated throughout the day, even if they don't feel thirsty. It's best to avoid caffeine and alcohol as they can cause dehydration. Water is the best option for hydration. Sports drinks can also help replenish lost sodium and potassium from sweating. Proper nutrition and adequate fluids are crucial for seniors, especially during the hot summer months. Dehydration can increase the risk of skin injuries.
To avoid sun exposure, especially between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., keep your senior out of direct sunlight. Look for shaded areas outdoors. Use the American Cancer Society's "Slip! Slop! Slap! And Wrap!" reminder to protect your senior from harmful UV rays: Slip on a shirt, Slop on sunscreen, Slap on a hat, and Wrap on sunglasses.
It is recommended to limit strenuous activity and exercise during hot days. Our bodies already work hard in the heat, so adding intense physical activity can be harmful. If your senior exercises regularly, try doing so in the early morning or late evening when it's cooler. Planning around the hottest part of the day can help reduce heat exposure.
It is important to take breaks to cool down when exposed to the hot sun. Having a cool area at home to recover is also beneficial. Ensure that cooling devices like electric fans or air conditioners are working properly for a quicker recovery.
The sun safety tips in this article are not a substitute for medical advice. If your senior experiences heat-related issues, seek proper medical attention to ensure they have a safe and healthy summer. For more tips on safety in the sun, refer to the National Institute on Aging and the U.S. Center for Disease Control.
Comfort Keepers Keeps Your Loved Ones Cool with Senior Care in Phoenix
At Comfort Keepers, we understand the importance of keeping seniors cool and safe during the hot summer months in Phoenix. Our caregivers are trained to recognize the signs of heat-related issues and take immediate action to ensure the well-being of your loved ones.
We prioritize hydration and encourage seniors to drink water throughout the day, even if they don't feel thirsty. Our caregivers also help protect seniors from sun exposure by keeping them in shaded areas and following sun safety tips. Our senior care in Phoenix, AZ, provides peace of mind for seniors' families, knowing that their loved one is in good hands right in the comfort of their own homes.
While our caregivers help keep seniors cool, they also assist with personal care, activities of daily living, meal preparation, light housekeeping, transportation to medical appointments and social activities, medication reminders, and much more!
If you're looking for senior care services in Phoenix that prioritize your loved one's health and well-being, contact Comfort Keepers today. Our compassionate care team will work with you and your loved one to create a personalized care plan and ensure they receive the level of care they need and deserve this summer - and beyond.
