CHICAGO — When temperatures and humidity rise,
nursing homes around Illinois go on alert. Seniors are
particularly susceptible to complications from hot
weather because of decreased awareness of heat
exhaustion and heat stroke due to age. The Illinois
Council on Long Term Care, a statewide association of
long term care facilities, is offering valuable tips to
the public on how to keep seniors safe and comfortable
during this summer’s heat wave.
As part of its effort to protect seniors from extreme
heat, the Council has sent its members a "Heat
Protocol" developed by the Illinois Department of
Public Health. 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.
"Illinois nursing home staff do an excellent job
of protecting seniors from heat-related problems,"
said Susan Duda Gardiner, director of clinical services
for the Council. "And, by releasing our strategies
to the public, we hope to ensure the continued welfare
and safety for thousands of elderly throughout
Illinois."
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:
Use an air conditioner to keep rooms cool. If air
conditioning is unavailable, open windows on opposite
ends of the house or building to cross-ventilate and
increase air flow. Additionally, move seniors to the
coolest area of the house or building.
Regularly attend to individuals who are most at
risk for heat-related illnesses, including elderly
with heart, circulatory and pulmonary conditions. Many
medicines, including those used for heat conditions,
depress and allergies, also can make a person more
susceptible to heat stress.
Encourage seniors to drink more fluids. Because of
decreased thirst awareness, seniors do not always know
when they need fluid. They should drink on a regular
basis rather than only when they are thirsty.
Ensure the elderly are wearing light-colored,
loose-fitting clothing that allows the body to release
heat.
Shade windows exposed to direct sunlight.
Keep an eye out for seniors with signs of
discomfort.
Additionally, all seniors and their caregivers should
be aware of heat-related illnesses, including:
Heat Exhaustion is produced by the loss of
normal fluids and salts in the body and results from
exposure to heat, either indoors or outdoors. Some of
the common symptoms of heat exhaustion include cool,
clammy skin; a body temperature of up to 103 degrees;
weak, rapid pulse; shallow and quiet respirations; and
muscles that may be tense or contracted.
Treatment includes keeping the individual quiet,
resting in a cool place and increasing intake of cool,
non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated fluids. 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
individuals 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 of more than 103
degrees.
Treatment includes cooling off the individual,
removing clothing, applying cool cloths, and giving
him or her a sponge bath. Direct the individual to the
nearest hospital emergency room as soon as possible.
