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Caring Neighborhoods LogoHeat and the Elderly

Fact Sheet: The Heat and the Elderly

  • Approximately 371 deaths occur in the United States every year due to heat stroke. Many other deaths occur from other causes as a result of high temperatures. Nearly half of all victims are 65 years and older.
  • Prolonged heat exposure takes a toll on the body, compromising the ability to cool itself. Older adults are most susceptible to this due to the aging process-an older body is less efficient in reacting to the heat.
  • Fans are not protective against heat-related illness when conditions reach 90 degrees and 35% humidity.
  • Due to the energy crisis, there is a greater danger for heat-related illnesses among the elderly as rolling blackouts hit households throughout the state.
  • Skyrocketing energy costs most fiercely affect seniors with monthly incomes less than $1,000.
  • Due to budget constraints and in effort to cut utility costs, seniors are less likely to use air conditioners, thus increasing the risk for heatstroke.
  • Although hot weather places everyone in danger, factors that increase the risk for heat-related illness include:
  • advanced age
  • isolation or social circumstances
  • heart, lung, or kidney disease
  • medication
  • high blood pressure or diabetes
  • high level apartment living
  • long term residency care
  • ALL heat-related illnesses are PREVENTABLE!!!
  • YOU can make a difference!

DANGER SIGNS: How to Spot When It Is Too Hot

After prolonged heat exposure, consult a doctor as these symptoms could indicate a heat-related illness:

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

HEAT EXHAUSTION occurs when the body gets too hot.

Symptoms

  • thirst
  • weakness
  • dizziness
  • profuse sweating
  • cold and clammy skin
  • normal or slightly high temperature

If you or someone else is experiencing these conditions,

  • Move them into an air-conditioned environment or a cool, shaded area
  • Replace fluids such as water and juice. AVOID alcohol and caffeine
  • Recommend a cool shower or bath
  • Encourage them to rest in a cool area

HEATSTROKE is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY, and is usually fatal! If you suspect someone to be suffering from this condition, call 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY!!!

Heatstroke occurs when the body temperature reaches 105 degrees within minutes and can cause severe brain damage

Symptoms

  • confusion
  • faintness
  • strong, rapid pulse
  • dry, flushed skin
  • lack of sweating
  • bizarre behavior

Tips on Staying Safe and Cool (For All Ages!)

How to PREVENT heat-related illness during hot weather

  • Check on elderly and disabled frequently
  • Stay Hydrated! Drink a lot of water

COOL TIPS

  • Limit exposure to outdoor and indoor heat
  • Spend time in air-conditioned buildings such as shopping malls, senior centers, public libraries, or movie theaters
  • Take a cool shower or bath
  • Eat light, healthy foods that do not need to be cooked
  • Do not use appliances such as the oven or dryer during the hottest parts of the day unless absolutely necessary
  • Turn off lights, they emit heat!
  • Use cool towels around face and neck
  • Use hand-held or portable fans
  • Keep a spray bottle with cold water handy to cool off with
  • Freeze water in bottles to use as ice packs
  • Limit visits to overcrowded places during rush hour times
  • If outdoors, stay in shaded areas near trees or water
  • Plan ahead for necessary outdoor activities
  • Encourage elderly to dress in light fabrics such as cotton
  • In non-air conditioned homes,
  • Open windows on opposite sides of the building at night to promote air flow
  • Cover windows that are exposed to direct sun light
  • Keep curtains, shades, and blinds drawn during the daytime
  • Close doors or block passage to rooms not in use to concentrate air

Important Phone Numbers For Energy Assistance

  • HEAP, financial assistance (916) 567-5200
  • Salvation Army, financial assistance (916) 442-0303
  • CARE, PG&E Discount Program 1-800-278-5472
  • SMUD Energy Assistance Program Rate (EAPR) 1-800-433-4327

Be A Caring Neighbor: Ideas For Making A Difference

  • Organize a "Friendly Phone Call" System: Neighbors make phone calls to check on elderly neighbors during hot weather spells
  • Establish an Emergency Contact List: Create a list of neighbors willing to offer help to the elderly in your neighborhood during an emergency
  • Set up Friendly Visits: Check to see if neighbors are taking precautions or experiencing dangerous symptoms during hot weather
  • Organize rotating early evening socials at homes around the neighborhood so that air conditioners can be given a break at several homes while residents are out socializing
  • Help Out With Transportation: Offer a ride to or from an errand to save time spent outdoors
  • If energy costs are a factor, take an elderly neighbor to an air-conditioned public facility, such as a senior center, movie theatre, public library, or shopping mall
  • Establish A Caring Neighborhoods Group In Your Community: Work with neighbors to provide extra help to the elderly in your neighborhood, Improve your neighborhood by working together for a positive purpose
  • Make a friendly visit, keep an eye out for strangers, refer elderly neighbors to various services in the community, you decide what your group can do to help! Call (916) 566-1594 for more information on how you can make yours a Caring Neighborhood.

 

 

 

Send Caring Neighborhood Program inquiries to Tracey Gray
South Natomas Community Center, 2921 Truxel Road, Sacramento, CA 95833
Call (916) 566-1594, FAX (916) 566-6555

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Updated 06/26/2006