Hot, Hot, Hot: Staying Cool While Beating The Heat
Published: July 6, 2023
With last week's and this week's heat waves throughout the U.S., it's important for seniors - and others - to take precautions during these hot days.
As we age, our bodies become less able to regulate temperature, and extreme heat can put seniors at risk for heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heat stroke. With summer temperatures on the rise, it's important for seniors and their caregivers to take precautions to stay safe during heat waves. Here are some senior living safety tips for extreme heat days.
First and foremost, it's important to stay hydrated. Seniors should drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate the body. It's also important to avoid going outside during the hottest parts of the day and to stay in air-conditioned areas as much as possible. If air conditioning is not available, consider going to a public place that has it, such as a library or shopping mall.
Wearing light, loose-fitting clothing can also help seniors to stay cool. It's important to wear a hat and sunglasses when outside to protect from the sun's rays, and to apply sunscreen to exposed skin. Seniors should also avoid strenuous activity during extreme heat, and take frequent breaks if they must be outside.
It's important for caregivers to check on seniors regularly during extreme heat to make sure they are staying cool and hydrated. If a senior is experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, or confusion, they should be taken to a cool area and given water immediately. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.
Heat-Related Illnesses
Being overheated for too long or being exposed without protection to the sun can cause many health problems. Heat-related illnesses include the following:
- Heat syncope is a sudden dizziness that can happen when seniors are active in hot weather. If a person takes a heart medication called a beta blocker or are not acclimated to hot weather, they are even more likely to feel faint. They should rest in a cool place, put their legs up, and drink water to make the dizzy feeling go away.
- Heat cramps are the painful tightening or spasms of muscles in the stomach, arms, or legs. Cramps can result from hard work or intense exercise. Though one's body temperature and pulse usually stay normal during heat cramps, skin may feel moist and cool. The affected person should stop the physical activity they're doing and rest in the shade or in a cool building. They should drink plenty of fluids, such as water and sports drinks containing electrolytes, and not consume alcohol or caffeinated beverages.
- Heat edema is a swelling in the ankles and feet when getting hot. A solution is to rest while the legs are up to help reduce swelling. If that doesn’t work fairly quickly, check with a doctor.
- Heat rash is a skin irritation from heavy sweating. It causes red clusters of small blisters that look similar to pimples on the skin. A person's skin may feel itchy or may feel a “prickly” tingling pain. They should keep the infected area dry, use powder to sooth the rash, and stay in cool areas.
- Heat exhaustion is a warning that our body can no longer keep itself cool. Someone with heat exhaustion might feel thirsty, dizzy, weak, uncoordinated, and nauseated. They may sweat a lot, and their body temperature may stay normal, but their skin may feel cold and clammy. Some people with heat exhaustion have a rapid pulse. They should rest in a cool place and get plenty of fluids. If they don’t feel better soon, get medical care. Be cautious because heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke.
- Heat stroke is a medical emergency in which the body’s temperature rises above 104°F. Signs of heat stroke are fainting; confusion or acting strangely; not sweating even when it’s hot; dry, flushed skin; strong, rapid pulse; or a slow, weak pulse. When a person has any of these symptoms, they should seek medical help right away and immediately move to a cooler place, such as under shade or indoors. They should also take action to lower their body temperature with cool clothes, a cool bath or shower, and fans.
- Sun exposure, also known as sunburn, is a sign of skin damage due to extreme or long exposure. Skin may appear red and tender, develop blisters, start to peel, and be warm to the touch. Severe reactions may cause fever, chills, nausea, or rash. Prevent sunburn by wearing protective clothing that covers your skin and staying out of direct sunlight. Using a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher can also help prevent sunburns, but be sure to reapply often. If a person becomes sunburned, wear lightweight clothing, take cool showers, moisturize affected areas, and stay out of the sun so the skin can heal.
Seniors and their caregivers should take precautions to stay safe during extreme heat days. Staying hydrated, avoiding the hottest parts of the day, wearing appropriate clothing, and avoiding strenuous activity can all help seniors to stay cool and avoid heat-related illness. By following these senior living safety tips, seniors can enjoy the summer months while staying safe and healthy.
Our Latest
SRI Management is proud to congratulate Taylor Maya, Divisional Director of Clinical Services , and Jasmin Dickson, Executive Director at The Landing of Panama City Beach , on graduating from the Florida Senior Living Institute through Leadership FSLA. Taylor and Jasmin were recognized during the Florida Senior Living Association ENGAGE Conference on July 10 at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes . Leadership FSLA is a comprehensive leadership development program created specifically for professionals currently serving in FSLA-member assisted living, memory care, and independent living communities. The program is designed to strengthen individual leaders with the understanding that stronger leaders help build stronger communities. Throughout the program, participants focus on key areas of leadership development, including self-leadership, leading through change, innovation, emotional intelligence, team engagement, effective communication, meeting management, and public speaking. The program combines in-person education, community-based learning, Zoom discussions, expert speakers, mentorship, leadership assessments, and practical application. Participants also work through real-world leadership exercises, including reviewing community challenges, evaluating AHCA survey-related scenarios, identifying current opportunities within their own communities, and developing solutions that support stronger teams and better outcomes. For SRI Management, this achievement reflects the importance of investing in leaders who are committed to serving residents, supporting team members, and helping communities thrive. Taylor and Jasmin both bring dedication, professionalism, and heart to their roles, and this accomplishment is a meaningful reflection of their continued growth and leadership.
SRI Management is proud to congratulate Taylor Maya, Divisional Director of Clinical Services , for receiving the Emily Adkins Bright Star Award at the Florida Senior Living Association ENGAGE Conference. This meaningful recognition honors a young professional within Florida’s assisted living industry who is passionate about their work and demonstrates competence beyond their years. The award was created in memory of Emily Adkins, who aspired to become an influential leader in Florida’s assisted living industry, and is presented annually at the Florida Senior Living Association conference to encourage young professionals who are making a difference in the field. Taylor’s work reflects the heart of SRI Management’s mission. In her role, she supports clinical teams across communities, helping strengthen care practices, guide team members, and ensure residents continue to receive compassionate, thoughtful, and high-quality support. “Taylor leads with heart, knowledge, and a true commitment to serving others,” said Marisa Strain, Chief Clinical Officer. “Her dedication to our residents, clinical teams, and communities is evident in everything she does. We are incredibly proud to see her receive this well-deserved recognition.” At SRI Management, we believe strong leaders help create strong communities. Taylor’s clinical leadership, professionalism, and commitment to service continue to make a meaningful impact on residents, families, and team members.
Midsouth Senior Management, in partnership with SRI Management , today announces the addition of four senior living communities to its portfolio across three new states: White Oaks in Lawton, Michigan; Governor’s Pointe and Governor’s Port in Mentor, Ohio; and Randall Residence in Decatur, Illinois. The additions mark a significant geographic expansion for Midsouth Senior Management, extending its reach across the Midwest with communities that collectively offer Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care services to older adults and their families. “This is a milestone moment for Midsouth Senior Management,” said President Rick Sweeney . “Entering Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois at once reflects our confidence in both the markets and the teams on the ground. Each of these communities shares what we look for most in senior living. Each has a warm, homelike environment, where people who genuinely care help seniors and are committed to treating every resident with the dignity they deserve. We are proud to bring them into the Midsouth Senior Management family.” White Oaks in Lawton, Michigan, serves residents who need Assisted Living or specialized Memory Care, offering both under one roof in the heart of southwestern Michigan. The community provides families across the region with personalized care in a setting known for its small-town character, proximity to Kalamazoo and Paw Paw. In Mentor, Ohio, Governor’s Pointe offers Assisted Living in a smaller, more personal setting where residents are known by name and staff understand the routines and preferences that make daily life feel like their own. Governor’s Port , also in Mentor, serves active older adults through Independent Living, with comfortable apartment homes, a resident-shaped activity calendar, and easy access to Lake Erie beaches, Great Lakes Mall, and the James A. Garfield National Historic Site. Together, the two communities give Lake County families a full range of senior living options close to home. Randall Residence in Decatur, Illinois, offers a full continuum of care of Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care all under one roof. That continuity means residents can remain in a familiar environment surrounded by familiar faces as their needs evolve over time. Located near Lake Decatur, Millikin University, and the heart of central Illinois, the community is designed to feel rooted in the community it serves. “SRI Management is committed to meeting residents where they are and helping them live every day to the fullest,” said Todd Filippone, President of SRI Management. “Across these four communities, that means supporting outstanding teams and equipping them to continue providing attentive, personalized care to our residents that feels like family.”
