Aging, medication side effects, changing metabolism, and chronic medical conditions can increase a senior’s odds of experiencing heat exhaustion. Caregivers need to watch out for these five warning signs of heat stroke.
1. Raised Body Temperature
Rising body temperature is one of the first signs of heat exhaustion, which could lead to a heat stroke. Seniors should move to a cooler area if they notice their body temperature is one or two degrees above normal. If their temperature reaches 103 degrees, they may need immediate medical assistance.
Heat stroke can have a detrimental impact on a senior’s quality of life. Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them obtain this goal. Families can trust in Tucson home care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living a longer and healthier life.
2. Changes in the Skin
As a senior’s body temperature increases, he or she may experience redness or flushing in the skin. At first, the skin will begin to sweat in an attempt to lower the body temperature. Once heat stroke occurs, a senior may suddenly stop sweating, and his or her skin may appear dry.
3. Dizziness
A senior may feel dizzy and have difficulty maintaining balance. Not only does this place him or her at risk of a serious fall, but it can also signify a heat stroke is imminent. Dizziness is often one of the first signs of heat stroke, which means seniors still have time to lower their body temperature. Caregivers should assist seniors with moving out of the heat and cooling down.
Caring for a senior loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming for family caregivers who have other responsibilities they need to focus on. For these families, the perfect solution is respite care. Tucson families rely on our caregivers whenever they need time to rest, work, run errands, and even go on vacation.
4. Rapid or Strong Pulse
It is important to check a senior’s pulse to make sure he or she is not about to experience cardiac distress. If a senior’s pulse feels extremely fast or strong, it is best to seek emergency medical assistance to prevent a heat stroke from developing.
5. Nausea or Vomiting
A heat stroke can also cause nausea or vomiting, increasing the risk of dehydration. Caregivers can offer seniors small sips of cool water, but try to avoid frozen drinks that can increase feelings of nausea. A cool, wet washcloth placed on the senior’s skin can also help him or her cool down without irritating the stomach.
Living with a serious health condition can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Tucson seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more. For high-quality senior home care services, families rely on Home Care Assistance. Call one of our professional Care Managers at (520) 276-6555 for a free in-home consultation.