Heat Safety for Senior Citizens in Miami

Posted by Scott Cantin in caregiving tips, Senior Care | 0 comments

While the summer brings warmth and bloom, the heat can be dangerous. Too much heat is not safe for anyone, and it’s even riskier for seniors or people with health complications. As a senior adult or caregiver, it’s important to be proactive and take precautions to avoid exposing yourself or your older adult to excessive heat. Exposing your skin to the sun can cause sunburn or lead to the development of skin cancer. At Advancare, we recommend seeking help if you’re having difficulty coping with the hot weather. Our caregivers can help provide preventive care and get you the help you need to stay healthy, productive, and happy.

Why Does Heat Affect the Elderly More?

The elderly are more vulnerable to heat for many reasons. Here are some of them:

• Senior adults sweat less, which means they have difficulty cooling their bodies.
• Most seniors have underlying health conditions that make them more vulnerable to heat damage.
• Some medications they take can impact their fluid intake and cause dehydration.
• Seniors are not likely to hydrate as they lack the urge to drink.
• Seniors who struggle with memory loss may not remember to drink water. 

Heat Safety for Senior Citizens in Miami

Here are a few tips to help your senior loved one stay safe in the hot weather.

Drink Water

This may sound too obvious, but unfortunately, many senior adults don’t take as much water as their bodies need. That means they are at a higher risk of dehydration. Seniors with Dementia may not be able to communicate their dehydration symptoms clearly, which can be dangerous for their health. Staying hydrated means taking plenty of water and liquids such as vegetable and fruit juices, milk, and soups.

Eat Refreshing and Hydrating Foods

A healthy diet is essential for the overall health of a senior adult. Make sure they eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Purchase fruits and vegetables in season and maximize using them in fresh juices, salads, puddings, and snack recipes. Fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, mangoes, cherries, and watermelons provide the body with plenty of fluids and nutrients.

Wear Light Clothes

Natural fabrics like cotton are excellent materials for summer wear as they absorb sweat, keeping your body cool and dry. Choose bright colors such as whites to reflect heat and wear sunscreen when wearing shorts,  t-shirts, and other wearables that expose your skin. Choose loose, light clothes to keep your body cool.

Use Fans If No Air-Conditioning is Available

The indoors can be particularly hot during the summer. To keep the indoor spaces cooler, use an air conditioner. If you don’t have or prefer to turn it on at specific times to save on energy bills, use fans to rotate the air and keep yourself cool. There are many ways of keeping your indoor space cooler, such as closing the windows during the day, cooking outside, using light-colored curtains, and many others.

Exercise With Caution

Avoid exercising or doing activities outdoors when it is hot. If you want to work in the garden, exercise, take your dog for a walk or clean your driveway, do them early in the morning or late in the evening. This way, you can keep the harmful rays of the sun off your skin and enjoy working at a relatively comfortable temperature.

Need in-home care services in Miami Dade County? Advancare can help you find reliable, compassionate, and experienced caregivers for your homecare needs. To learn how we can help, feel free to contact us!