Do you have a loved one who is at risk for dehydration or heat related illness? Extreme heat can pose serious health risks for older adults, especially those living alone, managing chronic health conditions, or taking multiple medications. At Generations, we help families prepare for situations like these by creating personalized care plans, coordinating resources, and ensuring older adults have the support they need to remain safe at home. Whether it’s arranging wellness checks, evaluating home safety, connecting clients with community resources, or helping families develop an emergency plan, our geriatric care managers provide guidance before a crisis occurs.
Here are a few simple but important ways seniors, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers can stay safe during periods of extreme heat.
- Stay hydrated—even if you don’t feel thirsty. As we age, our sense of thirst decreases, making dehydration more likely. Drink water consistently throughout the day, and limit alcohol and excessive caffeine.
- Stay in cool environments. Use air conditioning when possible, keep blinds or curtains closed during the day, and avoid going outside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you don’t have air conditioning, visit a library, senior center, mall, or cooling center. The term “cooling centers” generally refers to officially designated locations assigned by local offices of emergency management (OEMs) for use during Extreme Heat emergencies. If you need to find a local New Jersey cooling center, you can check out Chill Out New Jersey, a one-stop interactive map to help New Jerseyans find cooling centers near them.
- Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat if you need to be outdoors. Choose breathable fabrics like cotton to help your body stay cool.
- Review your medications. Some medications can increase the risk of dehydration or make it harder for your body to regulate its temperature. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether any of your medications require extra precautions during hot weather.
- Check in and know the warning signs. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can develop quickly. Symptoms include dizziness, confusion, weakness, nausea, headache, and rapid heartbeat. Caregivers, family members, and neighbors should check on older adults regularly during heat waves, especially those who live alone or have chronic health conditions. If someone becomes confused, loses consciousness, or has a high body temperature, call 911.
Family owned and operated for almost 40 years, Generations Counseling & Care Management, LLC is a full-service geriatric care management firm operating in both Northern New Jersey and parts of New York that provides care management, advocacy, and psychotherapy services with an integrated, professional, client-centered approach to the needs of the elderly, persons with disabilities, their families, and the caregiving community. Our expert staff are available 24/7 and offer a wide range of services that cover all aspects of elder care including: care management, counseling, psychotherapy, elder care planning, transitional service to senior communities & nursing facilities, services for disabled individuals, benefits counseling, assessments, financial services and management, moving and relocation coordination and much more. If you need more information on our services, please call our office at 201-845-7030.