How to Keep Your Aging Parent Cool While On Summer Outings
Senior Care in Cascade MI
Staying cool can be a challenge during the hottest months of the year, but if you are a caregiver for your aging parent, it is critical to take the proper steps to prevent overheating. Older adults are at particular risk of overheating due to their bodies being less capable of managing changes in temperature and regulating heat. This is caused by a variety of factors, including decreased blood circulation, lower water content, and less efficient sweat glands. This means that your aging parent is at higher risk of suffering the serious health complications associated with overheating even if they do not feel the high temperatures.
It can be particularly challenging to manage your parent’s temperature when you are enjoying outdoor activities during the summer months. Some careful preparation and simple tricks, however, can help you to keep your parent cool and safe even while out and about on your adventures.
Use these tips to help you protect your loved one from getting overheated while on your outdoor outings this summer:
- Hydrate in advance. A person who is already dehydrated is going to get overheated more quickly. Ensure that your elderly parent is properly hydrated before going out for your adventure so that their body will have the fluid that it needs to keep its cooling system working efficiently and effectively.
- Hydrate regularly. Remember that your parent needs more hydration on days that are extremely hot than they do on other days. This is because their internal cooling system uses fluid to keep the body cool, drawing it from other systems of the body. Make sure that your loved one replaces this fluid throughout your outing to keep them cool.
- Shade them. Seeking out shade is a fantastic way to cool off when outside. Even if your parent is not able to take up a position under a tree to stay shaded, you can produce much of the same benefit with a wide-brimmed hat that shades the face and neck. For best effect look for a hat made of a breathable material and that is light-colored to reflect the light and heat of the sun.
- Use emergency cooling. If your parent starts to get overheated, having tools to help them cool off quickly is important to protecting them from overheating. Portable ice packs are a simple but effective choice for reducing their body temperature quickly. These packs only require you to squeeze them and shake them to create instant cooling that you can place on the back of their necks to help them cool down. Be sure to put a piece of cloth between the pack and your parent’s skin to prevent damage.
- Consider help. Especially if you are going on your outing with your children it can seem overwhelming to try to protect your parent while you are out on your adventure. A senior care provider can be an exceptional source of help in this situation. This senior home care services provider can be there for your parent to monitor their health, help them with their personal needs, and ensure that they have fun while staying safe and healthy.
If you or someone you know needs help with senior care in Cascade, MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services in our community. Call us at (616) 258-2300 for more information.
Source: http://www.everydayhealth.com/senior-health/overheating-in-older-adults.aspx
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