Keeping Senior Loved Ones Safe & Cool

Summer is here, and in Minnesota that can mean soaring temperatures and high humidity. While everyone loves the season and the sunshine, especially when we have such a short summer, heat waves can be dangerous, especially for our elder loved ones.  It's natural for families to worry about your senior's well-being when they're out in the heat and direct sunshine, but you're not alone. Let's look at some simple ways to keep your aging family members cool and comfortable during the hottest days of the year. 

Why Seniors Need Extra Care

As we age, our bodies aren't able to regulate temperature as well as they used to. It can make it very hard for seniors to sense when they are overheating, until it is too late. Certain medical conditions and medications can also put them at higher risk for heat-related illnesses. Symptoms can range from dizziness and muscle cramps to confusion and heat stroke, which requires quick medical attention.

Keeping Loved Ones Safe

There are plenty of things you can do to ensure your loved one is safe when temperatures climb:

• Stay in Touch: Check in with your loved on regularly, by phone, virtual call or an in-person visit. If you can't be there, consider looking into home care services from an in-home care agency such as Visiting Angels. Caregivers can visit your loved one on a consistent schedule, to check-in and give you peace of mind.
• Hydration is Key: Encourage your loved one to drink lots of water throughout the day, even if they aren't feeling thirsty. Avoid sugary drinks and limit their intake of caffeine and alcohol, which can be dehydrating.  If your loved one is on a restricted diet, check with their doctor for the best way to keep them hydrated.
• Avoid the Heat: The hottest part of the day is usually mid-day between 12:00 - 4:00 pm. It's best to encourage indoor activities during these times on especially hot and sunny days. If they do need to get out of the house, schedule errands and appointments during the cooler hours of the morning or in the evening.
• Cool Down at Home: Make sure your senior's air conditioner is working correctly. Keep blinds and windows closed during the hottest hours to block out the sun's heat, and limit the use of heat-producing appliances, like the oven.
• Escape the Heat: If your loved one doesn't have air conditioning, or theirs isn't working properly, look to spend time in places that allow them to escape the heat. Consider visiting the public library, senior center or even visiting a friend or family member so they can stay cool. If transportation is a concern, a Visiting Angels caregiver or senior transportation company can help!
• Be Prepared: Encourage your senior to wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing made from breathable materials. Avoid heavy sweaters or long pants that tend to trap heat. Make sure your loved one wears sunscreen while outdoors since older adults are more susceptible to sunburn, it's also a good idea to suggest wearing a hat and sunglasses while outside to limit sun exposure to the face, neck and eyes.

Helping Hands Can Make a Difference

• Keeping your loved one safe during a heat wave can be a lot of work for family members and can sometimes be challenging when faced with resistance. Home care services from Visiting Angels are here to help bridge that gap. They are trained to recognize signs of heat-related illness in seniors and know the steps to keep them cool and comfortable. Whether they need help with daily tasks, medication reminders, or just a friend to take them to the local library to cool down, our caregivers are here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss how we can help you and your aging loved ones this summer.