6. Speaking of sunburn, don’t forget a good sunblock if they are going outside. Older, dryer skin will not recover as quickly from a burn, and heat will dry it out even more.
7. Pester your elders about drinking fluids. My mother used to get irritated with the nursing home people, because they watched her fluids so closely. She was very tiny and had little appetite for anything. They would encourage food, but actually stand and watch her while she drank fluids, if she didn’t go through enough for the day. They were right. Keeping hydrated can be lifesaving.
8. Be very wary of taking elders to an event where they will be standing in direct sun for long periods. Heat exhaustion and or heat stroke (more serious) can happen at any age, but elders are more susceptible. Don’t take it for granted that, because you are enjoying the “warm sunshine,” your elder is okay. He or she may feel all right, but could be in danger.
9. If the elder feels faint or dizzy, get him or her into shade, try to administer fluids, use cool cloths.
10. If nausea, vomiting or confusion is present, call 911, get the elder into shade and if possible, use cool compresses while you await help.
To learn more about Carol, please go to www.mindingourelders.com or www.mindingoureldersblogs.com.
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