Across the U.S., unbelievably hot weather is affecting many cities and towns. Residents of Phoenix have been dealing with temperatures in the triple digits for over two weeks. California, Texas, Nevada, New Mexico, and many other states have been experiencing the same triple-digit temperatures.
If your mom is in an area where it’s been hot for longer than normal or hotter than normal, make sure she’s staying safe. Most importantly, she needs to stay inside and in air conditioning, but if her AC stops working or she doesn’t have AC, these tips will help.
Stay Hydrated
Make sure your mom is drinking enough water, seltzer, or milk. Unsweetened iced tea is a good option if she hates plain water. You can also try adding a slice of orange, lemon, or lime to get her to drink more water.
Stay Inside
When it’s hot, your mom needs to stay inside. If she has a pool, she should limit her time in the direct sun and make sure she’s using sunscreen. Putting a sunshade over the pool helps prevent sunburn. If she’s out of the water, she needs to go inside.
If she doesn’t have a pool, she has to be inside unless her AC isn’t working and it’s getting too hot in her house. If that’s happening, she needs to leave for a cooling center or building that does have AC.
When she won’t leave her house and it’s too hot, wearing a damp t-shirt and letting it evaporate naturally keeps the body temperature lower. Once the t-shirt is dry again, dampen it in a sink and repeat the process.
Look for Area Cooling Centers
Many cities are setting up cooling centers where older adults can go and splash in a pool, sit in AC, or find other ways to cool off. This is important if your mom doesn’t have AC. She should plan to spend as much time in a cooling center as possible.
If her area doesn’t have anything set up, time spent in a shopping mall, museum, or movie theater is helpful. They’ll all have AC and cool drinks.
Learn the Signs of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
Heat exhaustion usually involves a headache, fatigue, muscle cramps, dizziness, and excessive sweating. Heat stroke adds a rapid heart rate, hot, dry skin, increased body temperature, and disorientation.
If your mom is showing signs of heat exhaustion, a lukewarm shower, glass of milk or water, and time in the AC or in front of a fan is important. Make sure she’s in loose clothing that air flows through easily, such as cotton or linen. If she is showing signs of heat stroke, seek medical care.
Make Sure Someone Checks on Her Every Day
Someone needs to check in and make sure your mom is okay. The more time people can spend with her in the heat, the better it is. If you aren’t close enough, arrange in-home care services.
Caregivers will stop by and spend as many hours as you’d like with your mom. They can make sure she’s drinking plenty of fluids, has a working AC system or a fan, and isn’t overheating. Talk to a home care expert about in-home care services to get information on prices and arrangements.
If you or an aging loved one are considering in-home care in Wilson, NC, please contact the caring staff at East Carolina Home Care today. Call (252) 321-5510.
Providing quality home care for seniors and families in and around Greenville, Rocky Mount, Tarboro, Hookerton, Farmville, Elm City, Wilson, Kinston, Snow Hill, Williamson, Goldsboro, and Washington in North Carolina.
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