Ahh, summertime. The bright sun, blooming flowers, singing birds, and heat. So much heat! Summertime can have beautiful weather, but occasionally, the weather gets dangerously hot. And while it used to be something that mainly only the southern states used to worry about, with some global weather patterns changing, it seems like no place in the contiguous 48 states is safe from a serious heat wave.

Why is Heat Harder for Seniors?

While no one enjoys feeling overly warm for a long period, extreme heat is more dangerous for the elderly loved ones in your life than anyone else (except infants). As a person ages, their body has a more difficult time adjusting to changes in temperature, and some of the health conditions that they may already be battling can be negatively affected by a heat wave that offers no relief. Your loved one may also take medications that affect his ability to sweat or control his temperature.

Six Steps to Keep Your Loved One Cool During the Hottest of Days

While turning on the air conditioner and staying inside is just about always the best way for your elderly loved one to stay cool, it may not always be an option for all seniors. Many seniors don’t have air conditioning in their homes, especially those who live in typically cooler locations where hot weather is few and far between.

Another possibility to consider is that when an area gets struck with an extreme heat event, everyone turns on their air conditioning, which can lead to an overworked and damaged air conditioner that cannot be fixed for days.

During these times, you must help your loved one take steps to keep himself cool even if you’re nowhere near to help him. It’s during events like this that you realize the importance of having someone who provides personal care at home for your loved one. A personal care at home provider can help you guide your loved one through some safety steps when the heat gets too bad and/or his air conditioner breaks down.

1. Keep the house cool. Your loved one should close all curtains during the day and close the windows. If it cools down enough at night, he can open them back up to get some cooler air in the home. He should also avoid using the oven. If his home has a lower level, he should plan on staying in that area as much as possible.
2. Dress appropriately. Light, loose-fitting clothes are best for keeping the body cool.
3. Eat “cool” foods. Now is the time for iced tea, salads, and charcuterie boards. It’s also extremely important for your loved one to drink plenty of water, even if he’s not feeling thirsty.
4. Go somewhere to enjoy the air conditioning. Have your loved one’s personal care at home provider bring him to a community building where he can spend several hours enjoying the air conditioning. Even an air-conditioned car ride can help.
5. Use all the fans. Keeping the air circulating can help him stay cooler.
6. Take several cool baths or showers. Not too cold, but a little cool can help your loved one lower his body heat level and then enjoy the relief of wet hair.

Don’t forget to check on your loved one daily when a heat wave strikes to make sure he’s managing it well.

If you or an aging loved one is considering Personal Care at Home in Rancho Murieta, CA, please contact the caring staff at Aging Assistant today at (916) 897-4752

James Ozsvath

Aging Assistant is a locally owned and operated in-home senior care provider, we are dedicated to helping our clients to remain in the home they love for as long as they can. Our caregiving staff are all warm and compassionate professionals, experienced in taking care of seniors in various stages of health. We handle a wide range of services, such as help with shopping, housekeeping, attending doctor’s appointments, and preparing meals. We also provide our clients with limited mobility or more intensive conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or Dementia with the higher level of personal care that they require. Call our team now if you need help with a loved one's care.

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