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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 1, 2002
Illinois Nursing Homes Mobilize to
Help Seniors Beat the Heat
(Chicago) -- When temperatures and humidity rise,
nursing homes around Illinois go on alert. A statewide
association of long term care facilities is offering
tips to the public on how to keep seniors safe and
comfortable. Seniors are particularly susceptible to
complications from hot weather because of decreased
awareness of heat exhaustion and heat stroke due to age.
Because of the numbers of frail elderly in their care,
nursing homes have implemented specialized procedures
for protecting seniors from heat-related problems.
As part of its effort to protect seniors from extreme
heat, the Illinois Council on Long Term Care has sent
out a Heat Protocol developed by the Illinois Department
of Public Health.
"We appreciate the Council's efforts in
distributing our Heat Protocol to nursing facilities
across Illinois," states Dr. John R. Lumpkin,
Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health.
"Illinois nursing homes have been very proactive
and successful in safeguarding residents from the
damaging effects of heat-related illnesses."
Based on the experience and expertise nursing homes
have gained in serving the elderly, the Illinois Council
on Long Term Care advises everyone to take the
following steps to protect seniors from extreme heat:
* Check the
air conditioning system frequently and monitor the
temperature frequently.
* If
the air conditioning breaks down, have a plan ready.
* If
you do not have air conditioning, cross ventilate. Open
windows on opposite sides of
the building to increase air flow.
* Pay
special attention to people most at risk -- those with
heart, circulatory, and pulmonary problems.
* Because
of decreased thirst awareness, seniors do not always
know when they need fluid.
Encourage them to drink more fluids when it is hot.
* Light and loose
clothing are best.
* Shade
windows exposed to direct sunlight.
* Keep
an eye out for seniors with signs of discomfort.
* Move
seniors to the coolest possible place in the building.
* Many
medicines, including diuretics, sedatives, hypnotics,
and anticholinergics, can
make a person more susceptible to heat stress.
All seniors and their caregivers should be aware of
symptoms that can signal a heat-related illness:
Heat Exhaustion is a state of weakness
produced by the loss of normal fluids and salts in the
body. Heat exhaustion results from exposure to heat,
usually indoors.
Some of the common symptoms of heat exhaustion
include cool, clammy skin; slightly elevated
temperature; weak, rapid pulse; shallow and quiet
respirations; and tense and contracted muscles.
Treatment includes keeping individual quiet,
keeping the head lowered, keeping the body warm, and
increasing fluid intake. Consult a physician
immediately.
Heat Stroke is a more serious heat-related
illness resulting from direct exposure to high
temperatures or the sun. Heat stroke commonly affects
those who are debilitated or fatigued. Symptoms
include dizziness, weakness, nausea, spots before the
eyes, ringing in the ears, bright red dry skin,
rapid, strong pulse, and body temperature may reach 108
degrees.
Treatment includes cooling off the individual,
removing clothing, applying cool cloths, and giving a
sponge bath. Have this person go to the nearest hospital
emergency room as soon as possible.
"Over the years, staff of Illinois nursing homes
have done an excellent job of addressing the challenge
of extreme heat," states Terrence Sullivan,
executive director of the Illinois Council on Long Term
Care."I have been very impressed with the level of
intensity and concern for the residents' welfare and
comfort reflected in the actions taken by our members.
We hope to continue our tradition of protecting resident
health and maintaining cool and comfortable environments
during the upcoming summer months."
Adds Dr. John R. Lumpkin of the Illinois Department
of Public Health: "Working together, Illinois
nursing homes have an outstanding record over the last
decade of protecting nursing home residents from
heat-related problems."
The Illinois Council on Long Term Care is a nursing
home trade association representing 220 facilities that
serve 38,000 residents across the state. The Council
works closely with the Illinois Department of Public
Health, the Illinois Department of Public Aid, and the
Chicago Department of Public Health to educate the
public about extreme heat.
By proactively distributing the IDPH Heat Protocol to
Illinois nursing facilities, the Illinois Council on
Long Term Care hopes to help nursing facilities
understand the important steps they need to take to
protect residents from heat-related illnesses.
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