Extreme heat is becoming normal during the summer, which can be a concern for seniors who are aging in place. If your senior parent is living alone and the temperatures are rising every summer they could have an increased risk of heat stroke or other heat-related illnesses. Seniors have a tough time regulating their body temperature. So when it gets really warm seniors can develop heat stroke very quickly. If your mom or dad is living alone they should have home care services during the summer months. A home care provider can make sure that your mom or dad gets medical help if they start to show symptoms of heat stroke.

A care provider can also help your mom or dad use these tips to stay cool at home during a heat wave:

Keep Drinking Water

Seniors need to keep sipping cool or room-temperature water throughout the day when the weather is hot. Dehydration can occur quickly and cause dizziness and other symptoms. A home care provider can remind your senior parent to keep drinking water so they stay hydrated.

Use Fans and Air Conditioning

Often when there is a heat wave seniors will want to conserve energy and not use their air conditioning. But seniors have an essential need to stay cool. A home care provider can make sure that your senior mom or dad has their air conditioning on and has ceiling fans and box fans running to circulate the cool air.

Wear Light Clothing

Wearing light clothing made from natural fibers like cotton or linen can help seniors stay cool and breezy. Natural fabrics allow for airflow, which will dry up sweat and help seniors stay cool.

Limit Outdoor Activities

Seniors should not go outside when it’s warm, even if it’s early in the day. The heat and humidity could make your senior parent dizzy or nauseous even if it’s early in the day. They should stay inside in the cool air.

Cool Showers or Baths

Seniors can take cool showers or baths to help lower body temperature. Some seniors like to sit with their feet in a wading pool or large bowl of chilled water. If your senior parent wants to do that make sure they remove their feet regularly so their skin doesn’t prune.

Block Out Sunlight

Thermal curtains are a fantastic way to block out heat and keep the cool air inside from leaking out. Use blinds, curtains, or shades to block out direct sunlight. Reflective window coverings can also help keep the house cooler.

Eat Light Meals

Heavy meals can make seniors sick to their stomachs when it’s hot. And they can increase body temperature. Instead of heavy meals seniors should eat light cool snacks throughout the day like yogurt, cucumbers with dip, frozen grapes, and chilled fruits and vegetables.

Use Cooling Towels

Applying damp, cool towels to the neck, wrists, and forehead is a tried and true way to cool down. Make sure your senior parent has plenty of ice. A home care provider can put some damp towels in the fridge or freezer to get cold so there is always a cold towel for your mom or dad to use.

Stay on the Lowest Floor

Heat rises, so staying on the lowest floor of the home can be cooler than the upper floors. It’s a good idea to have someplace for your senior parent to sleep on the first floor when the weather is really hot.

Sleep During The Day

If it’s really hot your senior parent may want to sleep during the day when the heat is the worst and be up at night when it’s cooler.

If you or an aging loved one is considering Home Care Services in Columbia MD, please contact the caring staff at Vital Sign Home Care today. (410) 814-0258

A Trusted Skilled Medical and Non-Medical senior home care provider in Annapolis, Arnold, Severn, Guilford, Towson, Brooklandville, Catonsville, Cockeysville, Bel Air, Ellicott City, Columbia MD, and surrounding areas.

• Author
• Recent Posts

Venus Ricks, RN CM/DN

CEO/Founder at Vital Sign Home Care

Venus Ricks love for people and desire to help others is why she became a Nurse. As a Registered Nurse, Venus took her nursing experience beyond the hospital floors. Inspired by her own story and desire to help others, she launched her healthcare training center. Ambitions at heart, never letting any grass grow under her feet, she didn't stop at training. Her tenure as a Delegating Nurse and need, motivated her to open Mabel's House Assisted Living in honor of her grandmother Mabel, serving the elderly and vulnerable population. Simultaneously, Vital Sign Home Care was also launched, serving the same population.

Venus had a stroke in 2018, she had no movement on the right side of her body and was unable to speak. Venus has made great progress since then and shows up everyday doing her best. She takes pride in overcoming obstacles and never giving up, which has allowed her to obtain a level of success in healthcare.

Latest posts by Venus Ricks, RN CM/DN (see all)

• What to Know About Senior Self-Care Products - October 17, 2024
• Supporting Seniors as They Navigate Daily Changes - October 3, 2024
• Encourage Lifelong Learning for Seniors - September 17, 2024