Protecting Your Senior Against the Heat this Summer

Summer is a favorite season of many individuals, as it provides the chance to soak up some sun and enjoy the warmer temperatures. But for those seniors living in the South, these temperatures may become dangerously high—and they can actually lead to several life-threatening medical complications. The home care professionals at Always Best Care of Alamance, serving Alamance and Guilford Counties, as well as the communities of Burlington, Southern Greensboro, Jamestown, High Point, and Roxboro, encourage you to learn what these medical complications are and how you can help your elderly loved one prevent them.

Health Concerns: What Can High Temperatures Do?
When your senior is exposed to exceedingly high temperatures they can develop a long list of medical conditions. These include hyperthermia, heat fatigue, heat exhaustion, heat syncope (which manifests as sudden dizziness), heat cramps, and heat stroke. Some of these conditions, if not addressed right away, can lead to serious health concerns and, in extreme cases, death. As such, it is integral that you know how to protect your senior against these issues.

Tips for Keeping Elderly Individuals Cool this Summer
First and foremost, make sure that your loved one has access to a cool living environment. If they do not have central air conditioning in their home, help them to install window units so that they can maintain a comfortable temperature throughout their living space.

If your senior is determined to spend time outside, make sure that they do so during the early morning hours before the heat of the day has set in. On mornings that are particularly hot and humid, though, encourage your loved one to stay inside—particularly if they have heart, kidney, or lung disease or suffer from poor circulation.

When your elderly loved one is ready to spend some time out of the house, help them choose indoor destinations that will provide a comfortable environment. For instance, they may visit the local mall, go see a movie, or spend time at the community center. This will help them to keep cool without having to stay in their house at all times.

The elder care professionals at Always Best Care of Alamance (http://www.abc-seniorservice.com) know that summer is a very dangerous time of year for seniors, as the heat can cause truly devastating medical complications. As such, these professionals urge you to follow these recommendations when caring for your loved one. If you suspect that your senior is being affected by the heat it is important that you seek medical attention immediately.

Keeping Your Senior Active While Avoiding the Summer Heat

By Joanne Pizzuto

Staying physically active is important for people of all ages, but for seniors, in particular, it is crucial that they are able to engage in physical activities that promote their wellbeing, maintain their range of motion, and help to keep their cardiovascular and other systems healthy. During the cooler months, strolls around the block and other outdoor activities are wonderful options for elderly individuals who are looking to stay fit. But during the summer the heat can prove exceptionally dangerous. The following suggestions can help you to guide your senior toward physical activities that keep them fit without subjecting them to the soaring summer temperatures.

Indoor Athletics
If your senior enjoys working out, such as walking or doing water aerobics, help them to choose a gym that suits their needs and allows them to engage in these activities indoors. There are many athletic complexes that offer indoor facilities, and your loved one will also benefit from having the support of a trained gym staff on hand.

Active Pastimes
Instead of sitting at home watching television or reading, get your senior out of the house and moving around. Go to the mall and walk around for an hour or so to get in some cardio and peruse the latest merchandise. Likewise, you and your elderly loved one may opt to visit the local museum to check out the latest exhibitions. Choose somewhere that is air conditioned, offers places to rest, and has access to water and food. This will allow you to enjoy an active and fun afternoon out while beating the heat.

Outdoor Activities in Moderation
If your senior is bent on spending time outside, say if they want to tend to their garden, it is important that they do so during the coolest parts of the day. Have them get all of their outdoor activity done during the early morning hours, before the heat of the day. This will allow them to benefit from the cooler morning temperatures while staying out of direct sunlight.

Summer is a season that many people look forward to after a long winter, but it is important that elderly individuals stay both active and safe during these warmer months. These activities can help your senior keep their activity level up without risking too much exposure to the heat.