Keep an eye out for your elderly neighbors during high temperatures
By kindel media
Amid Dangerous Heat Wave, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Offers Essential Advice
NEW YORK, NY — As a severe heat wave brings dangerously high temperatures and triple-digit heat indexes to millions, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is sharing crucial tips to help families caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses protect their loved ones.
Jennifer Reeder, LCSW, AFA’s Director of Educational and Social Services, emphasizes the increased risk for people with dementia-related illnesses during extreme heat. “Extreme temperatures pose significant risks for individuals with dementia-related illnesses, increasing their vulnerability to heat stroke, hyperthermia, and dehydration due to how these conditions affect the brain,” she says. “Caregivers need to be proactive and prepared. Simple steps can make a big difference.”
Here are the steps recommended by AFA for family caregivers:
Prevent Wandering
Wandering is a common and potentially dangerous behavior in individuals with dementia, especially during extreme heat conditions when hyperthermia can develop quickly. To mitigate this risk, caregivers can:
– Create safe indoor walking paths with visual cues.
– Engage individuals in simple tasks and enjoyable activities like exercise, music, and crafts.
– Address wandering triggers such as excessive noise, crowds, or unmet needs like hunger, thirst, or the need to use the bathroom.
– Prepare for potential wandering by marking clothes with identification, keeping recent photos and medical information handy, and knowing familiar destinations to aid emergency responders.
Maintain Hydration
Dementia can impair the ability to recognize thirst, making it essential for caregivers to encourage frequent drinking. It’s crucial to:
– Offer water regularly and monitor fluid intake.
– Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages, which can contribute to dehydration.
Watch for Heat-Related Illness Signs
Individuals with dementia have a reduced ability to detect temperature changes and skin sensitivity, increasing their susceptibility to heat stroke. Caregivers should watch for signs such as:
– Excessive sweating, exhaustion, red or hot skin, muscle cramps, fast pulse, headaches, dizziness, nausea, or sudden changes in mental status.
– To cool the person, move them to an air-conditioned room, remove excess clothing, apply cold compresses, and encourage fluid intake. For severe symptoms like fainting or unconsciousness, call 911 immediately.
Know Cooling Locations
Many municipalities offer designated “cooling centers” in community centers, senior centers, libraries, and other public buildings. If the person with dementia does not have air conditioning, caregivers should:
– Identify the nearest cooling center and take their loved one there to cool down.
Be Proactive
Being proactive can significantly enhance safety during a heat wave. Caregivers should:
– Ensure access to water, air conditioning, and other cooling methods.
– Keep cell phones, tablets, and flashlights fully charged and accessible.
– Have emergency contact numbers for utility providers, police, and fire departments readily available.
– Arrange for nearby individuals to check on their loved one and provide them with emergency contacts and important medical information.
The AFA’s Helpline, staffed by licensed social workers trained in dementia care, offers additional support and information. The Helpline is available seven days a week by phone at 866-232-8484, text at 646-586-5283, and web chat at www.alzfdn.org.
