Keeping Seniors Safe in Extreme Summer Heat                                                  You Can Help Save a Friend or Neighbor During Heat Waves

Heat waves cause a rise in heat-related illnesses and fatalities among older adults, and this summer in Delaware has been no exception. Emergency rooms throughout the state have seen a rise in preventable admissions. If a family member, friend or neighbor is a senior or disabled adult living alone, call or visit quickly when temperatures soar.

David Forman of Visiting Angels of Sussex said, “As we age, our body’s ability to cool down slows. Many older adults may not even feel uncomfortably warm as temperatures rise to dangerous levels.”

“They’re also less likely to drink enough liquids, as they don’t feel the thirst that normally occurs naturally when overheating begins. Combine these heat-related causes with medications commonly prescribed for seniors that act as diuretics, and dehydration can lead to serious conditions very rapidly.”

Victims of dehydration do not have enough fluid in their bodies to get nutrition and oxygen to the body tissues, Forman noted. Blood pressure drops, kidney and other organ functions slow or shut down, and a victim may need intravenous fluids quickly. Call 911 for a dehydrated victim suffering from confusion, dizziness or weakness, he advised.

Those caring for older adults should always be aware of the temperature and encourage drinking fluids such as water and sports drinks with electrolytes in hot weather, said Forman, and everyone should think about their neighbors and how they can help. Here are some basic tips he offered for preventing heat-related illnesses.

First and foremost, check in with friends and family, or even that street neighbor that you barely know. Ring her doorbell early, before the temperature soars, and see that she has a working air conditioner, or perhaps a need for groceries that she can’t go buy so easily during the heat of the day.

Move the individual to an air-conditioned room and make sure the thermostat is set cool enough. Prior to leaving for an extended period of time, make sure the unit is in good, reliable working order. Fans are not enough, as all they do is recirculate hot air.

If there is no air conditioning available, find daytime activities in well-cooled places such as shopping malls, grocery stores, movie theaters or bowling alleys.

Seniors should never walk alone, even for short distances, during severe temperatures.  They should always drink plenty of water or clear liquid nutritional supplements.  Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as these further dehydrate the body.  Take frequent cool showers, baths or sponge baths.  Always wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, preferably made of cotton. Wear a sun hat with a brim.

Tip: If urine is light in color, the person is properly hydrated. If it is a darker yellow, more hydration is required.

Those who are concerned about a loved one this summer can consider home care by Visiting Angels of Sussex. From a few hours a day to 24/7 care, staffers aim to help seniors and disabled adults remain independent in their own homes.

Visiting Angels can help with meal preparation, light housekeeping, hygiene assistance, laundry, shopping, errands and appointments and, of course, keeping loved ones safe and cool this season. For more information call 302-329-9475.