As hot summer months’ approach, it’s vital for caregivers to learn about some of the Hazards of summer heat. Seniors are more vulnerable to the effects of high temperatures and heat stroke because of several different factors including;
•Medications that can increase the possibility of heat stroke
•Many seniors are unable to financially afford air conditioning
•Older folks have more fluctuation in body fluid balance
•Memory loss and/or dementia can cause seniors to forget to drink proper amounts of fluids
Experts estimate that death and illness in senior from weather related illness is under reported. Several illnesses can result from extreme fluctuations in summer temperatures including; heat stroke, kidney failure, fluid and electrolyte imbalance, and even infections and sepsis.
These are all reasons to ensure that seniors get properly hydrated in the summer months and to learn and observe for common signs of heat stroke (sometimes referred to as heat exhaustion) including;
• Fatigue and dizziness or feeling confused
• Restlessness and anxiety
• Headache, nausea or vomiting
• Very heavy sweating- in later stages sweating stops as a result of severe dehydration
• Extreme thirst
• Skin that is hot and flushed/body temperature very high (may be 104, 106 degrees or higher)
• Pulse is weak and blood pressure suddenly drops, breathing is shallow
• Feeling faint or blacking out
• Decrease in urination and/or dark scanty urine
• Muscle cramps (from electrolyte imbalance)
• Slurred speech
• Lack of coordination
• Hallucinations
• Loss of consciousness/coma
If you observe the above signs in your loved one with AD, seek immediate emergency medical attention. Heat stroke is VERY dangerous and could result in long term disability or even death. Be aware that heat stroke sometimes progresses slowly over several days, but it can also progress very quickly, so time is of the essence whenever symptoms are observed.
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