Senior Snippets

SENIOR SNIPPETS - HEAT AWARENESS ADVICE

By Christina Uppenkamp - Home Instead Senior Care

Welcome to the latest edition of Senior Snippets: the monthly advisory column with the older members of our community in mind, brought to you by Christina Uppenkamp, Director of Home Instead Dartford.

With the temperatures rising now, it is important to recognise that older people’s bodies are often unable to adjust to sudden changes in temperature, which makes them more susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Doctors have warned that hot nights are particularly dangerous for the elderly as it is more difficult for their bodies to recover from heat stress caused during hot days.

With this in mind, here are a few tips on how to stay safe during the warm summer months:

1. Avoid the hottest times of the day (between 11am – 3pm). If you do need to venture out make sure you aren’t outside for long periods of time and find shady spots when you can.

2. Keep hydrated – even if you’re not thirsty it’s important to drink plenty of water or fruit juice to replace fluids lost during sweating. Avoid caffeine or alcohol which increase dehydration.

3. Think lightweight – choose clothing which is loose, lightweight, light coloured and breathable, such as a white linen or cotton shirt.

4. Cool down – take cool showers and baths when possible. If you’re out and about, use a cotton hankie soaked in cool water and place it on the back of your neck and on your wrists.

5. Cover up – in addition to wearing cooler clothing it’s also important to remember a hat. No matter whether it’s a cotton baseball cap or a straw boater, headwear will help to keep your face in the shade.

6. Pick the perfect spot – seek out the coolest areas of your home during warmer weather. Keep curtains and blinds closed to prevent sun heating up rooms, especially your bedroom.

7. If safe, leave windows open during the night.

8. Turn off non-essential lights and electrical items.

If you would like to speak to someone at Home Instead, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We also welcome any suggestions for future topics from you all. All you have to do is write to me at c.uppenkamp@ dartford.homeinstead.co.uk or by post to Home Instead, St Fidelis House, St Fidelis Road, Erith, DA8 1AT.