Nursing news

Nursing 

It started out as a cooler/rainy summer this year, but the temperatures began to climb quickly.  The past week the temperature along with the humidity had gotten dangerously high.  At Wellington Place we took precautions for the residents to keep them safe from the extreme temperatures by keeping them inside, keeping them hydrated, and preventing unnecessary outside activities.  When temperatures along with the humidity outside are extreme we encourage family members not to take residents out, or outside for an extended period of time. Each year nearly 600 Americans die from extreme temperatures, most of them elderly people.

Seniors often don't realize when they are overheated, dehydrated and in danger. Part of the problem lies in the fact that older people simply can't handle the heat as well as younger individuals because they don't sweat as effectively and have poorer circulation. Obesity, heart disease, dementia, diabetes and other chronic medical conditions can compound the risk, as can certain medications like diuretics, antihypertensives and those used to treat Parkinson's disease. Fortunately, there are simple ways of protecting our aging loved ones from overheating.

To protect seniors from the unrelenting summer heat, the standard advice is for them to remain inside air-conditioned buildings, dress lightly and keep hydrated. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done, since poor circulation often causes seniors to catch a chill more easily. It’s not uncommon for an elder to reach for a sweater or turn on the heat in their home even though it's unbearably hot outside.  Dehydration is another serious concern.

The body’s natural thirst mechanism 

becomes less effective with age, so many seniors are perpetually dehydrated regardless of the season. To make things worse, elders often prefer beverages like coffee and soda to water. While drinks that are high in caffeine and sugar do contain some fluids, water is always the best option for staying hydrated.

Additional Tips for Beating the Heat are as follows:  If your loved one complains of the cold indoors, turn up the thermostat a bit and try to seat them away from the direct flow of air vents. If they won't stay inside, have them sit outside in a shady spot under a ceiling fan or near a box fan. Try to get them to spend the hottest parts of the day inside if you can. To keep the house cooler without running the air conditioning, close curtains or blinds on the east side of the home during the morning, and the west side in the afternoon.  If your loved one doesn't have air conditioning or refuses to use it, make sure they spend at least some time in a cool, air-conditioned space like a library, mall or theater.  Even passing two or three hours in the AC each day can help reduce the risk of heat-related medical issues.  Offer plenty of drinks that your loved one prefers, but stay away from highly caffeinated beverages, sodas loaded with sodium and alcohol.  Keep cool treats available that are low in sugar and have a high-water content. Sugar-free popsicles are a classic and you can make your own using juice. Fruits and vegetables that are high in water, like watermelon, cucumbers, celery, strawberries and bell peppers, are also an easy way to increase a loved one’s fluid intake without getting them to drink more.  Seniors sometimes dress inappropriately for warm weather, so make sure that their clothing is lightweight, not too form-fitting and light in color. Hats are useful, but make sure they are loosely woven or well ventilated, so they don't trap heat. A broad brim is also crucial for shading the entire face.

Check the local news for health and safety updates.  Seek medical care immediately if you have, or someone you know has, symptoms of heat-related illness like muscle cramps, headaches, nausea or vomiting.  Many elderlies live in our neighborhoods so remember to check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.  Cathy Shimek