Contact: Kevin Kavanaugh
Director of Public Affairs
(773) 478-6613
kkavanaugh@nursinghome.org


July 30, 2001

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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The Illinois Council on Long Term Care is a professional association of more than 210 nursing facilities committed to quality residential health care in Illinois through a productive and responsible partnership between the private and public sectors. The Council represents more than 26,000 nursing home professionals serving more than 38,000 residents.