Tag Archives: Heat Stroke

Prevent Heat Stroke in Seniors with These Five Practical Tips

Prevent Heat Stroke in Seniors with These Five Practical Tips

Living in Florida, we’re accustomed to heat and humidity. Yet it’s important for seniors and the families who love them to stay vigilant to the dangers it can bring. Heat stroke in seniors is an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. The sooner it’s treated, the better the outcome. Left untreated, it can cause damage to the heart, brain, muscles, and kidneys, and even lead to death.

Florida’s most trusted referred care providers at American, Advocate, and Whitsyms In-Home Care share the following tips to help older adults enjoy the summer and prevent heat stroke.

  • Know the signs. Watch for these symptoms of heat stroke: elevated body temperature, hot, dry, red, or moist skin, strong, rapid pulse, headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and unconsciousness.
  • Know how to help. If you witness these signs in a senior, call 911 immediately, and cool the person down quickly by getting into an air-conditioned room or the shade, getting the senior into a cool shower or bath if possible, placing icepacks on the person’s neck, armpit, and groin areas, or sponging him/her off with cool water.
  • Ensure hydration. The sensation of thirst isn’t typically as strong in older adults, so frequently remind the older adults you love to drink plenty of water throughout the day. It helps to keep a small pitcher of cool water and a cup nearby at all times throughout the day.
  • Stay out of the heat. During the hottest part of the day, it’s best for older adults to stay indoors in air conditioning. Outings to air-conditioned venues like the library or shopping mall are a great way for seniors to safely stay active and engaged.
  • Be careful with fans. While the cool breeze of a fan may feel refreshing, fans can actually do more harm than good, especially for seniors. In fact, the CDC advises that fans should not be used in temperatures above 90 degrees, as fans can trick the body into believing it’s cooler than it actually is.

For more helpful tips to ensure older adults stay safe this summer, contact the Florida home care experts at American, Advocate, and Whitsyms In-Home Care. We can refer a care professional to help older adults in a wide variety of ways, including:

  • Companionship for conversations, outings, exercise, and engaging activities
  • Healthy meals
  • Encouraging older adults to stay hydrated, and monitoring for any changes in condition
  • Household chores and laundry
  • And much more

You can reach us any time for assistance and to learn more about how we can help. Simply click on the link below to the location nearest you.

State of Florida License and Registration Numbers: 30211518, 30211651, 30211295, 30211390, 30210978, 30211293, 30211382, 30211504, 30211733, 30211535, 30211531, 30211710, 30211709, 30211045, 5661