As a premier caregiving agency, Luxe Homecare educates our home caregivers on a variety of topics, including how to help our clients avoid heat-related illnesses. This is especially true for our senior clients who may have a chronic disease, are poorly hydrated, or are taking medications that include diuretics.

 

What Causes Heat-Related Illness?

As the outdoor temperature rises, so does our body’s temperature. We typically don’t feel the change when we’re younger as our bodies readily adjust to it. But with age, that process slows down and can result in:

  • Dehydration
  • Heat exhaustion
  • Heat stroke

We make sure our Luxe Homecare caregivers provide enough water and know the signs and symptoms to watch out for to determine if someone may be dehydrated. When we can stave off dehydration, we are helping our seniors to avoid a more severe condition, such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

 

Dehydration

Symptoms of dehydration include:

  • Lightheadedness
  • Fatigue
  • Heart palpitations due to lower electrolytes in the body
  • Muscle cramps
  • Constipation
  • Changes in urine color
  • Intense thirst

 

Heat Exhaustion

Signs of heat exhaustion are similar to those of dehydration, such as dark-colored urine, fatigue, lightheadedness or nausea, but also may include:

  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Muscle cramps
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Profuse sweating
  • Clammy skin (cool and moist)

When not treated early on, heat exhaustion can develop into heat stroke.

 

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is one of the leading cause of hospitalizations and preventable deaths in the U.S. When the body’s temperature reaches 103 degrees F. or higher it can begin to affect the brain’s basal ganglia, which affects movement, coordination and learning.

Signs of heat stroke include:

  • Hyperventilating
  • Rapid pulse rate
  • Nausea
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Red, hot, dry skin
  • Changes in blood pressure

Call the doctor or 9-1-1 immediately if any of these symptoms are present.

 

What You Can Do to Prevent Heat-Related Illnesses

To reduce the likelihood of dehydration, heat exhaustion or heat stroke:

  • Drink cool water (ask your doctor what a safe amount is).
  • Avoid drinks that can further dehydrate you, such as caffeine, alcohol and sodas.
  • Dress in loose, cool clothing.
  • Avoid direct exposure to the sun.
  • Take a cold shower or sponge bath to cool your body down.
  • Avoid over-exertion.

Luxe Homecare is prepared to take care of your family members throughout the year, no matter what the weather conditions might be. Contact us today at (310) 459-3535 to find out more about our services.

Email us at [email protected] or call our central office at (310) 459-3535. We help clients in the following areas: Pacific Palisades, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Malibu, Brentwood, Long Beach, Newport Beach, Riverside and Santa Monica.

Summary
Article Name
Seniors Can Beat the Heat with Simple Precautions
Description
As a premier caregiving agency, Luxe Homecare educates our home caregivers on a variety of topics, including how to help our clients avoid heat-related illnesses. Our caregivers provide the necessary water to stave off dehydration, helping patients avoid Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke.
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