8 Tips for Preventing Heat Stroke in Seniors
Caregivers, with summer happening right now in Rhode Island, it might seem like the prime time to plan lots of outdoor activities with your elderly care recipient in order to enjoy the nice weather. While it’s important that you take precautions to protect yourself from the effects of the sun and the heat when stepping outside of the home, it’s even more crucial that you encourage your senior as they are more sensitive to the effects of the environment. Plan as many outdoor activities as you’d like if your senior enjoys getting outside of their Rhode Island home to bask in the sunshine, but make sure that you follow these 8 tips for preventing heat stroke in seniors:
1) Keep hydrated with cool beverages and avoid caffeine and alcohol. If you are a senior who has been told by a Baton Rouge doctor to limit water consumption, check first how much you should drink when it’s the heat of the summer
2) Remain indoors during the high heat of the day. Get out in the early morning or evening when the sun is not as hot
3) Seek cover when outside in the heat either by bringing an umbrella to your outdoor location or finding a big shady tree to sit under
4) Remember your sunscreen and protective clothing. A hat will help protect you from heat stroke, and loose, light clothing which has long sleeves and pants will protect from UV rays.
5) Avoid strenuous activities outside. During the summer months, exercise indoors in air conditioning to ensure there are no detrimental effects to your health as an older adult
6) Pack juicy snacks when outside to keep cool. Fruits, light summer salad, juices, popsicles and even ice cream can all help seniors to keep their body temperatures down during the summer
7) Stay cool by taking tepid showers or baths when needed
Get lots of rest, especially when coming in from the heat
Sources:
1. CDC http://www.prepare.org/seniors/CDCSrsHeatStress.pdf
Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.
