Preparing for a heat wave
June 26, 2023 | Family Caregiver Support
Make sure your loved one is ready to ātake the heatā this summer.
Older bodies are less able to cope with excessive heat, so itās important to ensure safeguards are in place.
Check in with your relativeās doctor. Certain chronic conditions and medications increase an older adultās risk of heat stroke. Get advice on optimal fluid intake and medication management for times of extreme heat.
Ā Provide air conditioning. Ideally, your relative has access to air conditioning at home, in at least one room. (Before temperatures rise for the summer, test that the unit works!) Otherwise, identify a place nearby thatās air conditioned to get relief for an hour or two. Perhaps a library, movie theater, or shopping mall. Some cities publicize ācooling stationsā for just this purpose. Make arrangements for transportation, if necessary.
Watch the weather. Monitor the weather at your relativeās location. Hot weather in a city is particularly dangerous, because cities trap heat and are slow to cool.
Arrange for contact. Especially if your loved one lives alone, itās important that someone check in several times a day during a heat wave. This provides an opportunity to catch symptoms of overheating early on.
Plan ahead for shade. Take a look at where your relativeās dwelling gets the most direct sun. Awnings and shutters are more effective than curtains, because the sunās rays don’t heat up the glass. Trees and bushes are useful, too. Consider adding insulation in the roof and walls to block the heat from entering through these hot surfaces. The government offers financial help for insulation through the Low Income Energy Assistance Program.
Are you worried about heat waves?
We at Holistic HomeCare AssociatesĀ are keenly aware of how vulnerable older adults are to extreme temperatures. As the New York City experts in family caregiving, we encourage you to have precautions in place, even if you live far away. Let us help. Give us a call at 646-240-4888.