Heat Illnesses in Seniors and How to Prevent Them

Posted by Scott Cantin in Senior Care, Senior Health | 0 comments

Exposure to extreme heat is unsafe for anyone. It’s even riskier for our senior loved ones. As a caregiver, it’s crucial to understand the signs of heat illnesses and how to prevent them. In addition, it is essential to learn quick relief measures to ease related stress and pain.

At Advancare, we ensure all our seniors are well-protected from the possibility of heat illnesses, thanks to our professional in-house caregivers Miami. We also ensure they get the best care and treatment if they suffer from heat illnesses. Meanwhile, here’s what you should know about heat illnesses in seniors and how to prevent them.

Types of Heat-related Illnesses

Extensive exposure to heat without necessary protection can cause several health problems. Some of the heat-related illnesses that you may be at risk of include the following:

• Heat syncope: This is sudden dizziness that occurs when you stay overly active in hot weather. It may be severe or even likely to make you feel faint if you’re taking heart medication like beta blockers.
• Heat edema: This is the swelling in the ankles and feet due to extreme heat exposure.
• Heat rash: This is a skin irritation caused by heavy sweating. It causes small red blisters similar to pimples. Your skin may also feel prickly and itchy.
• Heat exhaustion: This is a warning that indicates your body’s inability to cool itself. It may cause weakness, nausea, dizziness, and weakness. You may also sweat a lot while your body remains normal, but the skin remains cold and clammy.
• Heat stroke: This is a severe heat-related condition caused by extreme body temperatures.
• Sun Burn: This is a form of skin damage caused by prolonged exposure to heat. Signs of sunburn include red, tender skin, blisters, and skin starting to peel. Severe reactions may present signs and symptoms such as chills, rash, fever, and nausea.

Causes of Heat Illnesses in Older Adults

Here are some of the factors that cause heat illness:

• Age-related skin changes, such as inefficient sweat glands and poor blood circulation.
• High blood pressure and other conditions that require a diet change.
• Illnesses that cause fever or general weakness, such as kidney, heart, and lung diseases.
• Reduced sweating caused by medications such as tranquilizers, diuretics, and sedatives.
• Staying dehydrated for too long.
• Drinking alcoholic beverages.

Tips to Prevent Heat Illnesses for Seniors

Here are some of the things that caregivers services Miami can do to prevent heat illnesses for seniors:

• Drink a lot of water, such as water, vegetable juices, fruit juices, or other drinks with electrolytes.
• Avoid taking caffeinated or alcoholic beverages. However, if your doctor has limited your liquid intake, ask what you should take during the hot season.
• Try keeping your indoor space as cool as possible if you live in a home with fans or air conditioning. You should also limit using the oven, keep your shades, curtains, or blinds closed during hot days, and keep your windows open at night.
• Dress for the hot weather with light-colored, lightweight, and loose-fitting clothing. You should also look for clothes with natural fabrics such as cotton.
• Avoid outdoor physical activities when it’s hot. Otherwise, try finding someplace indoors to exercise or engage in physical activities.
• Use broad-spectrum sunscreen, especially if you’ll be exposed to the sun for long. You should also wear a hat, sunglasses, and other protective clothing to protect yourself from prolonged sun exposure.

Protect Your Loved Ones with the Best Caregivers Services Miami

Your loved one deserves the best protection from heat-related illnesses. At Advancare, we’re the best Caregiver services Miami. We’re committed to providing compassionate in-home caregiving services for clients in Miami, including Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay, Miami Beach, North Miami Beach, Sunny Isles, and surrounding areas. We can help you keep your loved one protected from heat-related illnesses. Contact us today at 305-441-9794 to learn how we can help you.