19/04/2017
Being sensible in the summer
While most of think of summer as the time when we get outdoors and into the garden, the higher temperatures may pose some serious health threats to our clients. This is especially true if clients are elderly. Unless we as carers take precautions against the heat, we could find that we end up taking a client to hospital instead of enjoying the warm, summer days. Here are some points to keep in mind when it gets warmer.
Check with the GP
There are some medications which do not work well with high temperatures. It is a good idea, as the days start to get warmer, to call the GP and check that this does or does not apply to your client. Rooms also start to heat up, especially in the UK where there is not normally air conditioning. You should check that the medication is stored correctly – perhaps in the fridge – as kitchen temperatures may make it unstable.
Drink water
This may sound like something you already know, but be aware that dehydration is far more common in older people because they are less able to conserve water than young people. Their taste buds change as they age, and they may not recognise the feeling that they are thirsty. A typical thought which older people have, is that if they drink more, they must get up to use the loo more, therefore they would rather drink less, than have to move. Worse still, they do not want to disturb you, and so will not ask for water, or help to the toilet. Make a point of filling a jug with a set amount, keep it in the fridge and top up a glass for them. This way, you will know how much they have drunk during the day.
Choose the right clothes
Sometimes a client will get into a rut as far as clothing goes. They would prefer to wear the same shirt, trousers, socks, and vest throughout the year. While a flannel shirt may be suitable in the colder months, it will irritate skin in the heat, because it will cause them to start itching. In the summer, select lighter and loose fitting clothing for your client. Avoid the winter collection of socks, and opt for cotton or synthetic fibres instead of pure wool. Instead of a full sweater, encourage them to try a short-sleeved pullover.
Hats and lotions
Your client – and you, for that matter – should not walk outside without putting on some sunscreen. Your client’s skin will probably be thin, and very easy to burn, so make sure that they are covered up. A light, long sleeved blouse will suffice to keep the sun off the arms, and a sun hat is an excellent solution to keep the head protected. If your client gets sunburned, it is far worse than if you do, as the skin is so soft and tender. They will burn far quicker than you.
Sunglasses
Often older people have problems with the sun and their eyes, so having a pair of sunglasses at hand will stop any irritation and cause further damage to their eyes.
Keep cool
It is a good idea to change your outings with your client in the summer months. If you normally go for a walk in the park, you might opt to go for a walk around a mall instead. Stop for a coffee along the way. Arrange to meet some friends, and this could be a good alternative to being outside for a while. Cinemas and libraries will be cooler, and outings to them can be arranged so that your client stays out of the heat as much as possible.
Watch out for heat stroke
Abnormally high body temperature is known as hyperthermia, and this can be life threatening for you and your client. Make sure that you are aware of the signs, and do not ignore them. Contact a doctor immediately.
Dry, flushed skin
Nausea and vomiting
Headache
Heavy breathing and rapid pulse
Behaviour change such as confused or agitated
Body temperature of higher than 104 degrees
Fainting
Older people do not know when they are dehydrated because their bodies have a harder time in regulating the temperatures. If your client displays any of these symptoms, get them out of the heat as soon as possible, into a cool place, and then call for medical help.
If you must go out..
Keep a check on the time when you and your client go out. Do not stay out for extended periods of time.
Make sure you take water with you – enough for both of you.
If you must go out, try to do it in the early morning before the day has heated up and the sun is at its peak.
Summer is a wonderful time for you and your client to get out and about, although it can be fraught with worry about over-heating. With a little bit of forward planning, it is possible for you both to enjoy the season, and stay in good health.
