Summer heat in Louisiana can be both enjoyable and dangerous for older adults. While it offers opportunities for outdoor activities, the combination of extreme heat and high humidity poses risks such as dehydration and heat exhaustion.
Lafayette, Louisiana, is currently experiencing a prolonged heat wave, heightening these concerns.
Older adults and their caregivers must be aware of the potential dangers and take necessary precautions to protect their health.
With temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, it is vital for seniors in Lafayette to remain vigilant and prioritize measures to mitigate the impact of this ongoing heat wave.
Heat-Related Illnesses to Watch Out For
Heat-related illnesses pose significant risks to the health of older adults during periods of extreme heat.
Below is a list of some heat-related illnesses, their symptoms, and their recommended preventative measures and treatments to help safeguard the well-being of older adults.
- Dehydration. Dehydration is a fluid imbalance that occurs when the body loses more fluids than it receives. It can cause symptoms like thirst, dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, and in severe cases, confusion, rapid heartbeat, and fainting.
- Sun Exposure. Otherwise known as a sunburn, caused by prolonged exposure to UV rays, results in red, tender, and hot-to-touch skin, blistering, peeling, and can cause additional symptoms like fever, chills, nausea, or rash. To treat, wear lightweight clothing, take cold showers, apply aloe vera or moisturizing ointments to affected areas, and avoid sun exposure until the skin has healed.
- Heat Syncope. Sudden dizziness can happen when you are in active hot weather, those taking a heart medication called a beta blocker are even more likely to feel faint. If you feel faint, rest in a cool place, put your legs up, and drink water.
- Heat Cramps. Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms that occur during intense physical activity or exercise, commonly affecting the stomach, arms, or legs. To alleviate heat cramps, rest in a cool environment and drink fluids.
- Heat Edema. Swelling of your ankles and feet when your body temperature rises. When this happens, put your legs up and rest.
- Heat Rash. A common skin irritation caused by heavy sweating, resulting in the formation of red clusters of small blisters that feel prickly, tingly, or painful. To alleviate this condition, ensure the affected area remains dry and use soothing powder for relief.
- Heat Exhaustion. Heat exhaustion is characterized by overheating and the body's inability to cool down, often accompanied by cool and wet skin due to excessive sweating. If symptoms persist despite rest and hydration, seek immediate medical attention to prevent progression into a heat stroke.
- Heat Stroke. Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency with symptoms including fainting, altered behavior, body temperature exceeding 104 degrees, dry skin, rapid or weak pulse, and absence of sweating. If your senior family member experiences these symptoms, move them to a shaded area immediately and seek medical help.
Preventive Measures for Seniors
During the Louisiana summer heat, seniors can take various preventative measures to avoid heat-related illnesses.
It is crucial for seniors to stay hydrated, seek shade or air-conditioned environments, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and schedule outdoor activities during cooler times of the day. Taking regular breaks to rest and cool down is also important.
For tips on how to stay cool as well as a list of other risk factors for older adults, visit our previous blog Staying Safe in Warm Weather – Special Care for the Elderly.
In addition to preventative measures, services such as home care can be provided to ensure the safety and well-being of seniors during the extreme heat waves this summer.
Home Instead’s specialized caregivers are trained to attend to the needs of elderly individuals during times like these, no matter where they call home.
So if you’re looking for a leading and reliable home care provider in Lafayette, Louisiana, who can help your senior loved one stay healthy under seemingly chaotic weather conditions, Home Instead is here for you. Contact us today by filling out the form below to schedule a free Care Consultation with our Care Manager!
Looking for a caregiving opportunity? Check out our caregiver job openings in Lafayette and the surrounding areas!
References:
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hot-weather-safety-older-adults https://www.cdc.gov/aging/emergency-preparedness/older-adults-extreme-heat/index.html
