Aging In Place During A Heatwave Can Be Life-Threatening

A vast majority of the United States is in the midst of it’s first summer heat wave of the year and while many people are avoiding being outdoors and trying to stay comfortable, the most vulnerable people among us are bracing for dangerous heat levels that can be, at times, life-threatening. This goes for those who are aging in place, especially if they happen to be in a home that is not air conditioned.

Not only is the extreme heat dangerous, but it can be even more so for those who are over the age of 50 years old and beyond. For those who are past 70 years old the extreme heat can become a problem for breathing, heart issues and other medical emergencies that are the result of being exposed to the increasing temperature.

If you or a loved one are aging in place there are some steps you can take to get yourself ready for the extreme heat and protect yourself or your loved one against the dangers that it presents. Here are some of the steps you should take while experiencing heat waves.

1.) As with most situations that are unpredictable you will want to start with a plan. While you cannot predict how warm the weather will become or how your body will react to the rising temperatures so you should make sure that you plan for the most extreme conditions and hope that you never have to experience those conditions and put your plan into place.

2.) Know where local cooling centers are. Most cities and towns designate cooling centers for those that are the most vulnerable among us to the heat and where there is air conditioning for you to cook off from the extreme temperatures. While you will hopefully not need to go to one of these centers, it is important to know where they are in your city or town to make sure you can access them in the event that the heat becomes life threatening to you.

3.) Stay hydrated. One of the most important things you can do in the face of extreme heat is to stay hydrated. The best beverage for this of course is water and you or your loved one should be drinking plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated. Signs of dehydration can include headaches and fatigue, but you should speak with your medical provider about these symptoms so you can be tuned in to how your body might react.

4.) Speak with your medical provider to learn about how any medications you are on can interact with the extreme heat. While most medications will be fine to continue to take your provider may suggest that you pause a medication or two until the extreme heat passes. This should ONLY BE DONE AT THE DIRECTION OF YOUR MEDICAL PROVIDER.

Extreme heat can do strange things to your environment and to your body. Unfortunately these types of heat waves are becoming more and more common, even here in the Northeast and if you don’t address them as part of your aging in place plan you may find yourself in a dangerous situation where you are putting your life at risk. Take the time to understand the risks and put a plan in place to combat them.