With summer months upon us, it’s essential for everyone to keep cool & stay hydrated. Hot weather is the cause of many illnesses and bodily problems for many people, especially the elderly. Heat-related illnesses can left huge damage to the brain and other vital organs, and can sometimes lead to death.

It is essential for you as the caregiver to know what to be aware of and what actions needed to be taken to prevent a heat-related health problem or death for your seniors. Here are some symptoms of heat-related illnesses:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Giddiness
• Sudden fatigue
• Weakness
• Profuse sweating
• Lack of coordination
• Muscle cramping (especially in the arms, legs, and abdomen)
• Pale, cold, or clammy skin
• Rapid heart beat
• Weakened pulse

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is the number one health concern in the summer. It is considered a medical emergency that must be treated urgently to limit damages to the brain and other organs. If not treated in time, heat stroke can lead to death or permanent disability. Symptoms of a heat stroke include:

• Fainting (first sign)
• Staggering
• Appear confused
• A strong rapid pulse
• Core body temperature above 40 degrees Celsius (hallmark symptom)
• Behave strangely or combative
• Red, hot, and dry skin (with little or no sweat)
• Becomes delirious or fails into a coma

Heat stroke claims the lives of numerous Australian seniors annually. If you suspect your seniors or someone near you has a heat stroke, call 000 immediately and give them first aid until paramedics arrive.

For more information on keeping seniors safe & healthy throughout summer, or to discuss any concerns or thoughts you may have on senior caregiving, please contact Home Instead Senior Care Outer East.

If you need help taking care of your seniors, contact Home Instead Senior Care Outer East today. Our services include assistance with personal care, light household duties, meal preparation, medication reminders, transport to appointments, shopping and social outings – all of which are available 24/7, even on public holidays.

It is also important to note the following. Enacting Fire Emergency plans and enacting them at the appropriate time and moving to a safe environment on High Fire danger days.  Often services cannot be delivered on Extreme Fire danger days due to risk to staff. When fire danger is extreme we need to withdraw services!!

Click this link to know more:  Emergency Risk Management Plans 2015-16

Thanks for reading through this Blog, I hope you have found it useful. If you require any further assistance please feel free to contact the office.

Kind regards,
Suzanne McLoughlin
Owner of Home Instead Senior Care Outer East

P.S. We provide free Care Consultations and resource guides to support and guide families. Download your free copies from our Aged Care Resources page or Request a Free Information Pack to receive a hard copy.