August can be one of the most challenging months of the year for older adults, especially in warmer parts of California.
Many seniors do not feel heat or thirst as quickly as they once did. Some medications can also affect sweating, hydration, blood pressure, or the body’s ability to regulate temperature. That means a warm afternoon that feels manageable to a younger adult may be much harder on an elderly parent or grandparent.
Adults age 65 and older are more vulnerable to heat-related illness because they may not adjust as well to sudden temperature changes and are more likely to have chronic health conditions or take medications that affect temperature regulation.
For families caring for an aging loved one at home, a few consistent habits can make a meaningful difference.
Encourage hydration before thirst sets in
Older adults may not always recognize that they are becoming dehydrated.
Offer water regularly throughout the day rather than waiting for your loved one to ask. Water-rich foods such as watermelon, berries, peaches, cucumbers, soup, gelatin, and popsicles can also help increase fluid intake.
Keep a water bottle or cup within easy reach, especially for someone with limited mobility.
For seniors who have been instructed to limit fluids because of heart, kidney, or other medical conditions, families should ask the physician how much fluid is appropriate during very hot weather.
Keep the home comfortably cool
Air conditioning is one of the most effective protections during periods of extreme heat.
Close blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day, avoid using the oven when possible, and move activities to the coolest areas of the home.
Fans may improve comfort in moderate heat, but they should not be relied upon as the primary cooling method during very high temperatures. The CDC recommends spending time in air-conditioned spaces whenever possible.
If the home becomes too warm, consider spending part of the day at an air-conditioned library, senior center, shopping center, family member’s home, or local cooling center.
Schedule outdoor time carefully
Fresh air, gardening, and walking can be wonderful for a senior’s physical and emotional well-being. The key is choosing the right time.
Plan outdoor activities during the cooler morning or early evening hours. Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the afternoon.
When outdoors, encourage:
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- A wide-brimmed hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Frequent water breaks
- Rest in a shaded area
The National Institute on Aging advises older adults to avoid outdoor exercise when it is excessively hot and to stay hydrated while being active.
Watch for subtle changes
Heat-related illness does not always begin dramatically.
Early warning signs may include:
- Unusual tiredness
- Weakness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Muscle cramps
- Rapid pulse
- Swelling in the feet or ankles
- Increased confusion
- Irritability
- Poor balance
Confusion can sometimes be mistaken for a normal symptom of dementia, but a sudden change in alertness or behavior should never be ignored.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Warning signs may include a very high body temperature, confusion, fainting, staggering, hot or flushed skin, or loss of consciousness. Call 911 immediately if heat stroke is suspected.
Review medications and health conditions
Some prescription medications can increase sensitivity to heat or dehydration. These may include certain diuretics, blood pressure medications, sedatives, and tranquilizers.
Families should never stop or change a medication without medical guidance. However, summer is a good time to ask the physician or pharmacist whether any medications require extra precautions in hot weather.
Seniors with heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, lung disease, mobility limitations, memory impairment, or a history of falls may need additional observation.
Check in more frequently
A quick morning phone call may not be enough during a heat wave.
The CDC recommends that caregivers check on older adults at least twice a day during hot weather and confirm that they are drinking enough, have access to cooling, understand how to stay safe, and are not showing signs of heat stress.
For someone living alone, consider arranging:
- Morning and evening calls
- In-person visits
- Meal or grocery delivery
- Medication reminders
- Transportation to a cooler location
- Help adjusting the thermostat
- Additional home-care support
When a senior may need more support
Hot weather can reveal care needs that were less noticeable during cooler months.
A family may begin to see that a loved one is:
- Forgetting to drink
- Leaving doors or windows open while the air conditioner is running
- Wearing clothing that is too heavy
- Becoming more confused in the afternoon
- Struggling to prepare meals
- Missing medications
- Falling or becoming unsteady
- Unable to recognize when the home is dangerously warm
These concerns do not necessarily mean a senior must move immediately. They may, however, be signs that more supervision, home care, or a supportive residential setting should be considered.
A smaller, home-like approach to senior care
At Viewmont Senior Living, we believe senior care should feel personal.
Our boutique residential care homes provide individualized support in comfortable, home-like environments. Our caregivers assist with hydration, meals, medications, mobility, personal care, activities, and changes in condition while helping residents maintain as much independence as possible.
With communities serving families in Temecula, Napa, and Vallejo, we offer assisted living, memory care, respite care, and hospice support in smaller residential settings.
Contact us to find out more about how we can help your loved one live their best life in a community they can truly call home.