Extreme heat is more than just an annoyance. It can really hurt your senior parent that is living at home. Very warm temperatures and high humidity can raise the risk that your mom or dad will become dehydrated, have a heat-related illness, or suffer a heart attack or a stroke. Extreme heat can also trigger breathing problems and make symptoms worse for seniors who have existing health conditions. That’s why it’s important that your mom or dad has home care for the summer if you can’t be with them.
A home care provider can help your senior parent stay hydrated, make sure they are eating enough, and help them stay cool. Just a few of the ways that extreme heat can hurt seniors living at home include:
Heat Exhaustion
Seniors are more prone to heat exhaustion, which includes symptoms such as heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and fainting. It occurs when the body loses too much water and salt through sweating. Seniors at home who aren’t using air conditioning and who aren’t drinking enough water can suffer from heat exhaustion.
Heat Stroke
This is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition where the body’s temperature regulation fails, leading to dangerously high body temperatures. Symptoms include confusion, rapid heartbeat, and unconsciousness. Immediate medical attention is required. Seniors who live in places where the temperature and humidity soar in the summer have a high risk for heat stroke.
Dehydration
Seniors may become dehydrated more quickly than younger adults due to a diminished sense of thirst, reduced kidney function, and medications that can increase fluid loss. That’s why home care is a good idea for seniors who are living alone. A home care provider will remind your senior mom or dad throughout the day to drink cool water.
Exacerbation of Chronic Conditions
Heat can worsen chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, respiratory illnesses, and diabetes. For instance, the cardiovascular system has to work harder to keep the body cool, which can strain the heart. Seniors have a difficult time regulating their body temperature, and trying to do stay cool in intense heat can trigger severe symptoms of other conditions.
Electrolyte Imbalance
Excessive sweating and inadequate fluid intake can lead to imbalances in electrolytes like sodium and potassium, causing muscle cramps, weakness, and other health issues. It’s a good idea to keep some sugar free sports drinks or electrolyte drinks in the house during hot summer weather.
Reduced Cognitive Function
High temperatures can impair cognitive function, leading to confusion, poor judgment, and difficulty concentrating. This can be particularly dangerous for seniors who live alone or are already experiencing cognitive decline. If your mom or dad has dementia, Parkinson’s, or any condition that can cause cognitive problems they should have home care.
Skin Problems
Heat can cause or exacerbate skin problems such as heat rashes, sunburn, and other dermatological conditions. Seniors often have more fragile skin, which is more susceptible to damage from prolonged heat exposure. A home care provider can help your mom or dad cool their skin with cool towels, ice, and moisturizing creams.
If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Clarksville, MD, please contact the caring staff at Care At Home today. 301-970-9706
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