Tips for the elderly and vulnerable during extreme temperatures With the UK expecting another heat wave this week, with temperatures reaching upwards of 30 degrees by the weekend, it is essential to be aware of your safety and know when to stay inside. The heat can be dangerous, even for the young and healthy. The […]
With the UK expecting another heat wave this week, with temperatures reaching upwards of 30 degrees by the weekend, it is essential to be aware of your safety and know when to stay inside. The heat can be dangerous, even for the young and healthy. The heat can be downright deadly for children, adults and elderly alike who are struggling. This goes double for vulnerable people who have other health or lifestyle needs. This can matter a lot for older adults with pre-existing conditions, so measurements are necessary to avoid complications. The threshold for general well-being is lower than most people may think.
If you or someone you know suffers from certain medical conditions, they can be highly vulnerable to extreme weather. It’s not just the elderly we have to worry about either – even young people can find themselves in a wrong way if they’re not careful. Older people are much more sensitive to the effects of hot weather than other age groups. This is because our kidneys become less active as we age, and we struggle to know when we’re thirsty and so don’t stay hydrated. We hope you find these precautious useful for this summer, and hopefully, they are perfect for supporting your older and more vulnerable loved ones.
The right way to assess whether an elderly adult is suffering from heat exhaustion or dehydration is critical, especially in summer. Here is some common symptoms of dehydration and heat exhaustion that older adults and vulnerable individuals may exhibit.
Westwood Care Group believes our best defence against dehydration is to prevent it and stay hydrated. Our nutrition and hydration services include meal preparation, and our care professionals are trained to assist in hydration needs when requested.
Many people regularly don’t drink enough water because they fear not getting to the toilet in time. This can be hard to address with people and is understandable if it’s your concern. Drink more and stay hydrated for your health. Encourage someone you know who might be concerned by this to speak to their health care provider who can help them manage it.
If you think someone is dehydrated, it’s essential to try and encourage them to drink fluids. Doctors recommend that adults drink six to eight glasses of water daily, but sometimes people refuse to admit they’re thirsty or won’t drink it on their own. When this happens, you’ll need to use some sneaky tactics to get people to hydrate again:
The above could be signs of severe dehydration that they need urgent treatment. If you spot any signs of dehydration or heat exhaustion, take them to a cool, shaded area and loosen tight clothing before offering plenty of fluids. Please encourage them to take a cold shower or dab themselves with a damp sponge in extreme cases.
If symptoms continue despite drinking lots of fluids, it might be time to get some help. NHS UK advises you to see a pharmacist for treatment before contacting a GP. The pharmacist can provide rehydration solutions to replenish the body’s lost fluids.
If your symptoms do not improve within half an hour, you should call the doctor or NHS 111.
The warmer weather can be challenging for those at a higher risk of getting injured or worse. Our professional care staff is here to provide the guidance necessary for your loved one to remain safe and healthy. In addition, our in-home care providers are here to provide care for seniors. They can help with various tasks and provide the training you need. So you don’t need to worry. Our team has what it takes to handle any situation while you focus on other essential aspects of your life.
Don’t hesitate to contact Westwood Care Group today for more information about our services. We would be happy to discuss your needs and can provide you with expert advice on specialist requirements.
