Home Care Blog>In Home Care  |  July 15, 2019

Summer Safety for Residents of Calgary, AB

Home care in Calgary starts with summer safety this season. Long, hot summers are causing many heat-related illnesses that our caregivers are trained to prevent.

Summer Safety | Seniors are at a higher risk of heat-related illnesses this summer. Record temperatures seem to be reached every month, causing the senior’s body to work harder to maintain normal temperatures.

As the body is forced to work harder, the heat will push the person’s body beyond its limits.

Seniors are at risk of heat stroke or even death. As a person ages, their body doesn’t perspire as much, and the layer of fat underneath the skin doesn’t work as well to insulate the body. The result is a higher risk of heat stroke and exhaustion.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Uncontrollable sweating
• Upset stomach
• Blurred vision
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Low blood pressure

Our caretakers are trained to notice the signs of heat exhaustion and take action to cool the senior down. As an essential part of every home care routine, a caregiver may have to apply ice to the person’s skin and ensure that they’re drinking enough fluids to cool down.

Electrolytes may also be given.

If the senior’s heat exhaustion is allowed to persist, it can lead to heat stroke. Heat strokes can be deadly, and this occurs when the core temperature rises too high. The person’s body will stop sweating and be unable to cool itself.

Heat stroke symptoms include:

• Blood pressure elevation or lowering
• Confusion
• Agitation
• Disorientation
• Fainting
• Rapid heartbeat
• Hallucination
• Seizures
• Severe fatigue

Caregivers will incorporate several measures in a person’s day-to-day home care that are meant to keep a senior safe in the summer heat. A few recommendations to keep seniors healthy and safe this summer are:

• Fluids. Adequate liquid intake is essential. Liquids will allow for better heat regulation and will be key to reducing the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Proper nutrition and avoiding caffeine or alcoholic beverages are ideal choices to stay safe during the summer heat.
• Seniors should avoid being out in the sun during peak hours. During the hours of 10 am and 3 pm, the sun is at its strongest level. Seniors should remain in a shaded area, wear sunscreen and increase water intake if out in the summer heat during these peak hours.
• Breaks. If a senior remains outside, it’s important to take numerous breaks to drink and cool down.
• Limit. Outdoor activities and exercise should be limited to adequately cool off and stay safe in the summer heat.

Comfort Keepers^® Calgary Can Help with Summer Safety

At Comfort Keepers^®, we create individual care plans for every client. These plans include wellness goals that consider physical, mental and emotional health. Our caregivers can help support physician-prescribed diet and exercise plans, provide medication reminders, provide transportation to appointments and help seniors engage in the activities they love the most. And, our caregivers can help senior stay connected with loved ones through video chats, phone calls and care updates. We believe that every senior should experience the best in life.

Contact the Comfort Keepers Calgary office to learn more about how we can help maintain safety, comfort, and happiness in the home.

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