5 Risks Seniors Face In A Hot Home
If your elderly parent has recently moved into your home, you probably have a lot on your mind as you try to maintain your daily routine while still incorporating your parent, particularly during the summer.
One thing you should remember is the impact of excessive heat on your parent’s wellbeing. Since heat can cause a number of health problems for the elderly, you should make sure that your parent stays as cool as possible.
When your air conditioner isn’t working properly, it can be difficult to keep your parents at a comfortable and healthy temperature. Now that you’re taking care of your elderly parent’s health and well-being, make an appointment to get your air conditioner checked. Here are five ways that heat negatively affects the elderly to demonstrate why this is so significant.
1. ILLNESSES RELATED TO HEAT
When you spend long periods of time in the sun, you are probably aware that heat-related illnesses are a serious concern. Heat risk exists within the home as well, and it is especially dangerous for the elderly.
Heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and heat syncope are only a few of the heat-related illnesses that can occur in the elderly. During the summer, keep your parent in a cool place to prevent these illnesses.
2. DEMENTIA RISK INCREASED
Your parent will have difficulty sleeping if your home is too hot during the summer. During periods of excessive heat, the majority of people have trouble sleeping. Sleep deprivation can, unfortunately, be fatal for the elderly.
Reduced REM sleep has been linked to an increased risk of dementia, according to research. Furthermore, if you already have dementia, excessive heat will exacerbate your symptoms.
3. DEHYDRATION is number three
A cool home will shield the elderly from the hazards of dehydration if you are responsible for their treatment. Sweating production in the elderly is often reduced. Not only that, but they have a lower water intake. As a consequence, increased heat causes dehydration to occur at a faster rate.
Dehydration in the elderly can result in reduced kidney function, which can lead to an increase in toxins in the blood. Unfortunately, even though your home is without air conditioning for a few days, you run the risk of dehydration.
4. AN INCREASE IN AGITATION
If your elderly parent’s home is too hot for them, they will become agitated more frequently. The increased agitation may be much more apparent if your parent has already been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Make sure your air conditioner is set to a cool temperature for your parent to help alleviate agitation.
5. APPETITE LOSS
People also experience a reduction in appetite as they age. Heat continues to make people lose their appetite even more. Extreme heat raises your parent’s risk of malnutrition if they still eat less than they should. Your parent’s wellbeing may be jeopardized as a result of malnutrition. Maintaining a good home temperature in the summer is one way to maintain a healthy appetite.
Now that you’re in charge of your elderly parent, take precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses. When it comes to the elderly, proper air conditioner care is important. Get your air conditioner serviced as soon as possible before you’re faced with a heat-related emergency.
Speak to Earth Temp HVAC about replacing your air conditioner if it’s past its prime. Your actions now will ensure that your parent has a cool and healthy summer. Contact us by phone or by filling out our online form.
