Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate: Dr. Cynthia Speaks!
Topic: The Heat and Older Loved Ones-Caution Required
Hot weather can pose risks for elderly individuals. Why? This is because older adults do not adjust to elevated temperature changes. They are more likely to have chronic medical conditions affecting their body’s heat response. Medications your loved ones take may also influence their ability to regulate temperature. High temperatures can exacerbate existing health conditions, and immediate action is required. Prepare by listening to weather reports for extreme heat alerts, especially if air conditioning is unavailable in your home, and relocating to cooling centers for relief may be warranted.
What Increases Risk?
If your loved ones are not well hydrated, the risk for complications increases. Furthermore, many medications used for chronic conditions can be risky in hot weather. Examples of these medication classes include:
1. Heart medications and Diuretics(water pills)
2. Antidepressants
3. Antipsychotics
4. Central nervous system stimulants(Treatment for ADHD)
5. Anticholinergics( Treatment for Parkinson’s and Overactive bladder)
6. Antihistamines
7. Decongestants.
8. Dopaminergic
It is also important to remember to keep all medication away from hot weather spots and direct sunlight.
What To Do!
Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If your home doesn’t have air conditioning and you need transportation to a designated City of Houston cooling center, you can call 311 to request a free ride. You can also contact your local health department for guidance. Fans are helpful, but when the temperature gets to a certain degree, fans start blowing hot air and are ineffective. Hydrate by drinking water. Do not always wait until you feel thirsty. If you are on water restrictions, ice chips are a good choice. Try not to cook in extreme temperatures because it increases the temperature in the home. Wear loose-fitting clothing and take cool showers, which helps. Make sure you are monitoring your loved one for safety’s sake.
As Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate, I ask that you pay attention to your loved one’s body temperature during days of extreme heat. Pay attention to signs of confusion and malaise; get medical attention immediately if noted. The key to preventing these heat situations may be to monitor your loved ones and their environments. Be Safe! Be Well!
Dr. Cynthia J. Hickman is a retired registered nurse and case manager, CEO of Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate, and author of Essential Caregiver Training Course for Corporations and Community: From the Lens of Daughter, Nurse, and Caregiver: A Journey of Duty and Honor, and The Black Book of Important Information for Caregivers.
Website: www.cynthiajhickman.com
