In-Home Care – Symptoms Of Heat Stroke Seniors Shouldn’t Ignore

By Marina Pink | August 15, 2023 |

Summers are getting hotter, and that’s not going to stop anytime soon. According to scientists, summers are becoming an average of two degrees warmer every year. That might not sound like much. However, just two degrees can have a big impact on how hot it feels.

Heat-related illnesses are a concern for everyone. But babies and seniors are especially susceptible to dangerous heat illnesses. Seniors have a hard time regulating their body temperature. So when the heat soars it’s difficult for seniors to keep their cool.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness that can affect seniors. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate care. Seniors who live in hot climates should have in-home care during the summer. That way they will have someone with them who can call for help if needed.

The primary symptoms of heat stroke are:

Fainting.
Rapid behavior or mood changes.
Body temperature over 104 degrees.
Very dry skin.
A slow and weak pulse or an abnormally strong pulse.
Not sweating even though it’s excessively hot.

Seniors that experience any of these symptoms should get immediate help.

Other Heat Related Illness

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. But it’s not the only one. Seniors also can develop heat-related illnesses that have these symptoms:

Dizziness

Dizziness can be caused by heat. It can also be caused by dehydration. A combination of both heat and dehydration can make heat illnesses worse for seniors. To avoid this seniors should be drinking cool water at a steady pace throughout the day. When the weather is hot seniors will be sweating a lot and they need to replace the water in their bodies.

Heat Cramps

Heat cramps can feel like a stitch in the side or chest or they can happen in limbs. Anytime a senior has a cramp or some type of sudden pain it should be checked out.

Heat Swelling

Swelling or edema caused by hot weather is common. By itself edema isn’t necessarily an indication of an emergency. Seniors often get swollen feet or ankles when the weather is warm. If a senior puts their feet up or puts ice on their feet and legs and the swelling goes down that’s not an emergency. But a senior who experiences sudden or severe swelling needs emergency attention. Put ice on the affected area and call for medical help.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion can occur when seniors are outdoors exercising or being active. To minimize the risk of heat exhaustion seniors should run errands, walk, garden, or do other activities early in the morning before it gets too warm. A good rule for seniors in the summer is to try and get their exercise, activity, and errands done before 10 A.M. After 10 A.M. it starts to get very warm. Seniors should avoid any exercise or activity during the time from about 1 P.M. to 5 P.M. That’s the hottest part of the day.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring in-home care in San Marino, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Care Help. Serving All of Los Angeles County. Call Us Today at (888) 989-7388.

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Marina Pink

Owner at Home Care Help

Marina Pink is the Owner at Home Care Help. Home Care Help is an innovator in providing services in a caring and professional manner. We have an exceptional history, spanning twenty-three years, of providing care to people in moments that matter most. It is our utmost priority to address every need in a timely manner; and, it is our goal, above all else, to give the level of support that enables our residents to have as much independence as possible with care and respect.