This summer is already sizzling, and according to experts hotter than normal is going to be the new normal. The extreme heat can be dangerous for vulnerable groups, including seniors. Seniors can struggle to regulate their body temperatures as they get older. That makes warm temperatures and high humidity more dangerous for seniors. Some of the ways that extreme heat can impact seniors include:
Heat Stroke Or Related Illness
Seniors have a high risk for developing heat stroke. Even if seniors stay indoors in air conditioning they can be vulnerable to heat-related illness. When the temperature climbs over 100 degrees and there’s high humidity air conditioning can only help so much.
Seniors and their home care providers need to watch carefully for any signs of heat related illness. If seniors complain of dizziness, or if their skin is red, clammy, or discolored their home care providers should call for emergency help. Heat stroke can happen very quickly.
Social Isolation
The extreme heat can also make seniors more socially isolated. Social isolation is a big problem for seniors. Some experts say that social isolation among seniors is reaching epidemic levels. And being isolated can result in a lot of physical and mental health problems for seniors.
When it’s extremely hot outside seniors can’t go out safely. That means seniors who are aging in place are stuck at home without being able to see their friends or participate in activities.
Home care can help seniors avoid isolation in the heat. Daily visits by a home care provider give seniors social interaction and company.
Air Pollution Causing Breathing Problems
One of the side effects of extreme heat is more intense air pollution. When wildfire smoke, dust, pollen, and other air pollutants get thick in the air because of heat and humidity seniors can struggle to breathe. Seniors who rely on supplemental oxygen may need skilled nursing care at home to help them breathe.
Medication Interactions
There are many medications that are impacted by temperature. Insulin, for example, has to be kept refrigerated. It’s strongly recommended that seniors keep a cooler or a cold pack just for their insulin so that if the power goes out they can continue to keep it cold. There are special soft coolers made just to store insulin.
But even drugs that don’t need to be refrigerated may be less effective if they are stored in high temperatures.
In order to minimize the impact of hot weather on medications that could be sensitive to temperature seniors should store their medications in a cool dry place. Some of the medications that can be affected by temperature include:
- Heart medications
- Blood pressure medications
- Antidepressant medications
- Antipsychotic medications
Seniors can ask their doctors or pharmacists if their medications should be stored in the refrigerator when the weather is extremely hot. Home care can help seniors manage their medications so that they are safe to take in any type of weather.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring home care in Philadelphia, PA, please talk to the caring staff at Better Care Home Health Services LLC today. Serving individuals and their families in Philadelphia, Delaware, Montgomery, and Bucks counties. Call Today: (267) 766-5218
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Better Care Home Health Services is a family-owned agency dedicated to providing excellent and comprehensive home health care to individuals and families of Philadelphia, Delaware, Montgomery and Bucks counties. We are honored that God has blessed us with the opportunity to positively impact and change people’s lives. It is our mission to ensure that we provide the very best of care to our clients.
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