 |
|
 Heat
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:
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 Web Site Feedback to