Tips for staying cool in the summer heat - Hiring the right caregiver for your family

Let’s face it. California weather is great, but summer in Encino can be HOT!

For older adults, the dangers of heat-related illness can be serious. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can actually lead to life-threatening consequences, so it’s vitally important to help your loved ones stay cool when the weather is hot.

Why Is Heat Such a Problem for Seniors in Encino?

We might take for granted the body’s ability to regulate internal temperature. Seniors, however, sometimes find it more difficult to notice body signals, and avoid the ill effects of excessive heat. 

Underlying health conditions can make these problems even worse. For those with serious health challenges, and for in home care in the 91436, managing heat is a critical issue.

Signs of Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion occurs when the hypothalamus, which is the part of our brain that regulates temperature, is unable to process changes in body heat. When our temperature rises faster than the body can cool off, the following symptoms can arise:

- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Fatigue

One of the leading causes of heat exhaustion is dehydration. Forgetting to drink water, overuse of caffeine or alcohol, and too much salt in the diet can all contribute to dehydration.

Here are some ideas to help your elderly loved ones stay hydrated in the heat:

- Provide a sipper, to build the habit of taking frequent, small drinks or water
- Serve water, juice or milk with meals
- Create cooling snacks like water-rich fruit and veggies, and homemade popsicles
- Discourage diuretic beverages like coffee, tea, and alcohol

What Is Heat Stroke?

Heat stroke often occurs when core body temperature rising to 104? or above. This can happen as the effects of heat exhaustion or related heat illnesses worsen. However, it can also occur without previous symptoms. Heat stroke can cause serious brain damage, or even death.

The major causes of heat stroke (also referred to as sunstroke) are extended exposure to high temperatures, and dehydration.

Limiting outdoor time in hot weather, keeping indoor temperatures cool, serving light, chilled meals, and encouraging lots of water consumption will reduce the risk of sudden heat stroke.

Heat stroke symptoms include:

- Throbbing headache
- Intense nausea and vomiting
- Rapid heartbeat and/or breathing
- Lack of sweating despite heat
- Muscle weakness or cramping
- Disorientation
- Fainting

Heat stroke requires immediate medical attention. When a loved one is exhibiting these symptoms, seek emergency help.

How to Prevent Emergencies

The best way to ensure that your loved one is safe in the summer heat is to make frequent in home visits a regular part of your routine.

Sadly, neglect is one of the biggest reasons why the elderly die from heat-related illness. Just stopping in often to make sure everything is okay is one of the most important things you can do to care for your senior parent or loved one.

With our busy lives, though, this kind of time commitment can be a major burden. That’s why so many concerned families use in home care to keep their loved one safe and healthy.

A Visiting Angels senior caregiver provides compassionate, supportive assistance for those who need help. When it comes to preventing heat sickness, there’s nothing better than a Visiting Angel to give your loved one the elderly care and attention they deserve. And you’ll gain the peace of mind of knowing everything is handled.

Call us at 818-287-6101 to start the conversation today, and help your senior beat the heat tomorrow—there’s no charge for your complimentary assessment!