Across the U.S., many states are dealing with incredibly hot weather. Some are seeing temperatures soaring over 100, while others are seeing weeks of 80s and 90s. The heat just isn’t dying down. How are your parents staying cool in this heat?
Heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious at any age. They’re more of a risk in older adults as sweat production slows down as you age. Heat exhaustion symptoms include headache, dizziness, fatigue, muscle cramps, and nausea. Immediate action is needed to cool the body down.
Heatstroke can be deadly as the body temperature increases to over 103 F. The skin will look flushed but not sweaty. A throbbing headache, confusion, dizziness, and nausea are also common. At this stage, urgent medical care is essential.
From 1999 to 2010, there were 8,081 deaths due to heat-related illnesses. Of them, close to 3,000 involved men and women over the age of 64. Keeping your parents cool when it’s hot must be a primary concern. How do you make sure they’re cool?
Install and Inspect Air Conditioners
If your parents do not have air conditioners in their bedroom and main living area, they need it. If they cannot afford to run two AC units, at least have one in the main living area. They can sleep in that room until it cools down.
Check the units out to make sure they’re operating correctly. If they’re not cooling correctly, make sure the windows have enough weatherstripping to keep the hot air out. Check the filters to ensure they’re not plugged. If that doesn’t fix them, it may be time for a new AC unit. If your parents have central air, have a technician inspect and repair any issues.
Energy-efficient heat pump systems are an investment for your parents to consider. They do require installation, but rebates take a lot of money off a system. If your parents were looking into central air, a heat pump system may be a better idea.
Take Cool Showers
If AC is not available or isn’t cooling effectively, cool showers will help. Ideally, your parents should shower in a pair of shorts and a t-shirt and wear damp clothing around the house. As the moisture in the clothing evaporates, they’ll stay cool.
Drink Plenty of Water
In addition to staying cool, make sure your parents stay hydrated. They should aim for an 8-ounce glass of water each hour. The amount they should drink daily is just over 2 liters for women and 3 liters for men. If they’re sweating more, they should increase their water intake.
Home care services are ideal if you don’t live nearby. Caregivers can stop by and make sure your parents are cool. Home care agencies can arrange daily visits, a few visits a week, or weekly home care services. Let them know how they can help.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/pictureofamerica/pdfs/picture_of_america_heat-related_illness.pdf
If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Homecare in Largo, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 727-748-4211.
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Becky Moultrie is Owner and Administrator of Assisting Hands Home Care Serving Pinellas. Guided by a motto to Do Good with Love, she’s well positioned to do just that at Assisting Hands. She has a passion for helping families keep seniors and those who are diabled happy and healthy at home. She serves on a number of boards in Pinellas County including the Pinellas Park Gateway Chamber and Better Living Seniors (BLS), leading the Membership Committee. Annually, she hosts a Silver Santa Party, collecting donations for nearly 100 low income seniors in the county. She attends Blessed Sacrament Church, Seminole where she is an Ascribed Member of the Rosminian Order. When not busy Doing Good in the community, Becky is at home with her husband David & their 4 children, tending to their beehives and digging in the garden.
