We’re officially at the beginning of July, where the heat is really going to be on. Protecting ourselves from illnesses such as heat stroke by staying hydrated is a must. However, it’s especially a must for people battling dementia. So, whether you have a loved one with this condition or work as a care worker for a dementia patient, let’s learn in this blog post why they’re most vulnerable to hot weather. I’ll also share some tips on keeping patients with dementia safe in hot weather.
Why Hot Weather is Risky for Dementia Patients
Everyone, young and old, must be careful with the excessive, dangerous heat that’s been happening across America. However, people with dementia must be watched especially because they are more vulnerable. Having this condition inhibits them from taking care of themselves properly against the summer weather. They often forget to hydrate themselves because that part of the brain that tells you, “you’re thirsty” or “you feel hot,” doesn’t always work anymore. Some medications that they usually take, or dementia-related illnesses, can make dehydration even worse. So, without someone to remind them of the importance of constant hydrating and staying cool, they could develop other illnesses such as heat stroke or hyperthermia.
4 Tips for Keeping Dementia Patients Safe
If you have a loved one who’s been coping with dementia, you must look after them during this hot season. Look for clear signs of heat-related illnesses such as excessive sweating, flushed, red, or hot skin, muscle cramps, or dizziness. Wandering is a common behavior for them, and it’s important that you’re able to support this in a safe, cool indoor environment. However, to prevent any unnecessary illnesses from happening, here are some vital tips every caregiver must follow to keep dementia patients safe in hot weather.
Serve Foods with Plenty of Water in Them
Some people with these conditions either forget to drink water or don’t like it. For those who will eat, why not try serving them hydrating foods such as watermelon or cucumbers? Other options include ice cream, soup, or melons. Be sure to avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can lead to increased dehydration.
Keep Them Cool Indoors
If your loved one is living with you, you must keep your home cool with a quality air conditioner or fan. Be sure to keep blinds closed during peak heat hours. Place cooling towels or misting bottles on their face and body for relief. However, some are living without a functional air conditioner. Community and senior centers have designated cooling centers where you could take the dementia patient to cool off from the heat.
Monitor for Confusion or Agitation
Many dementia patients experience moments of confusion or agitation. Wandering, which I mentioned earlier, is one of the clear signs that they’re in this state. You want to try to create opportunities where this happens less often. When a person with dementia becomes agitated and wanders, that could be a sign of a need not being met. Make sure that their basic needs are being met to limit these incidents from happening.
Apply Safe Outdoor Practices
The summer months urge us to get outside and enjoy the scenery. When taking a dementia patient out, whether it’s your loved one or someone you’re hired to care for, you must practice safe outdoor strategies. Make sure that you apply sunscreen to them before taking them out. Put a wide-brimmed hat on them and sunglasses to protect them from the sun. Lightly-colored, lightweight clothing is ideal in hot weather. Also, apply cool cloths to their face, neck, and arms periodically. As always, have them drink plenty of water.
Keep Your Loved Ones Safe This Summer
The summer heat could be a dangerous time for people battling dementia. That’s why it’s important that caregivers put together a safety plan to protect them. Prepare an emergency cooling kit. Prioritize comfort, hydration, and routine when monitoring them. Be sure to stay connected with healthcare providers when necessary, in order to keep dementia patients safe in hot weather.
Do you have a loved one battling dementia whom you’re trying to keep safe this summer season? What are your tips for keeping dementia patients safe in hot weather? Feel free to share your advice in the comments section below. As always, be sure to like or share this post with the next person you know with a loved one coping with dementia.
