Understanding Heat-Related Risks in Seniors

Summer 2024 brought a lot of heat —record-setting heat, even. Extreme heat poses a significant risk to seniors. Concordia’s experienced home and community services teams regularly train and watch for the risks, signs and symptoms associated with heat-related illness.

Heat-Related Illnesses

Heat can cause some scary and possibly life-threatening conditions. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the most common are:

Both heat cramps and heat exhaustion might be resolved easily. On the other hand, if someone exhibits heat stroke symptoms, it’s an emergency.

Brittany Swartzlander, a registered nurse and staff educator for Concordia Visiting Nurses (CVN), trained her colleagues in July about the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke, as well as elderly heat intolerance.

“If someone has any type of heat exhaustion, you need to treat it right away,” Brittany said. “If you let it go, it could turn into a heat stroke which could lead to neurological issues. That could cause permanent damage.”

Lack of Air Conditioning

Though residents of Concordia’s retirement living and other inpatient services enjoy a climate-controlled environment, not all seniors have this comfort. Many seniors still live at home, and some lack air conditioners. With average peak temperatures nearing 90°F, that’s enough heat to make a home’s interior stifling.

Throughout July 2024, the U.S. experienced an average temperature of about 75.7°F, according to data from the National Centers for Environmental Information.

CVN clinicians keep temperatures in mind while visiting patients in their home.

“To keep our patients safe, we have to talk to them. We have to see if they’re comfortable and assess their environment,” Brittany said. “At times when we have heat advisories, office staff will call to check on patients.”

Chronic Conditions

Extreme heat sneaks up on people, especially those with chronic medical conditions. People with existing conditions sometimes struggle to adapt to higher temperatures. These conditions could include heart disease, mental illness, poor blood circulation and obesity, among others.

These seniors may fail to sense temperature shifts. Also, the medicines they take may affect their body’s temperature regulation. CVN clinicians must remain vigilant and mindful of these existing conditions as part of their routine.

“In an instance of heat stroke, the person may get confused, disoriented or have trouble balancing,” Brittany said. “The patient might not know to tell us about these symptoms.”

Brittany said her team trains to look at the big picture, especially when working with patients with existing cognitive impairment. She said nurses in the field often pair the patient’s words with their vitals to paint that picture.

Outdoor Activities

Many seniors love outdoor activities, including those on Concordia’s campuses.

At some locations, such as Concordia at Cabot, green-thumbed residents garden for their neighbors’ benefit. Many locations, such as Concordia at Sumner, feature sidewalks suitable for leisurely strolls. Concordia Village of Tampa residents cool down in the on-campus pool.

Many people sweat more while working and playing outside on a sunny day. Seniors tend to sweat less. They also tend to wear more layers of clothing. In general, seniors tend to hold more heat and may not even realize it, especially when focused on a task.

Additionally, some people may increase their risk through their behavior. While an iced coffee, cold beer or sunbathing sounds appealing on a nice summer day, all three could elevate the risks of heat-related illness.

“Everyone has their own limits,” Brittany said. “Knowing your limits is important.”

Beat the Heat

Drink plenty of water! Though it seems obvious, this applies to any instances of extreme heat. According to the Mayo Clinic, even during normal conditions, people should drink about 13.5 cups of water every day.

For those working or playing outside, they should continue hydrating with water or sports drinks throughout exposure.

“Don’t push yourself to get the last thing planted or painted,” Brittany said. “Go inside and take a break.”

For those relying on fans, run them early in the day while also keeping blinds and curtains closed. Additionally, seniors should avoid using stoves and ovens extensively, and they should consider taking a cool mid-day shower or bath.

If a senior is struggling to cool themselves at home, they could hit the road:  enjoy an air-conditioned car ride; visit a mall or other stores; stop by a senior center; or visit a cooling center often set up by county agencies.

Summer’s Still Here

August sometimes brings cooler temperatures, often referred to as false fall. It’s still possible people across the country may see more days in the 90-degree range.

Everyone, and especially seniors, should keep heat-related illnesses in mind when the temperatures climb. But when they do, people can help keep seniors safe by checking in with them periodically.

To learn more about Concordia Visiting Nurses, which prioritizes keeping patients safe in their own homes, click here.

Or, if you are looking to take extreme heat out of the equation for your living situation, learn more about Concordia’s comfortable, worry-free options in retirement living, personal care, skilled nursing and memory care, by clicking here.