What Is Heat Stress?

Posted on: May 24, 2018
Home Care
What Is Heat Stress

You know how uncomfortable it can be to get overheated, but as a family caregiver, it is critical that you understand that it can also be dangerous. Particularly for vulnerable groups such as elderly adults, heat can lead to a variety of serious health complications and issues, potentially putting their well-being and even their lives at risk.

When the temperature outside starts to creep up, it is critical that you take the proper steps to protect them from these serious health issues. This starts with being able to recognize heat stress when it occurs.

What Is Heat Stress?

Heat stress refers to the physical burden that is placed on the body when in a hot environment. This stress occurs because of the strain that the heat places on the heart and blood vessels, both of which are critical elements of the body’s natural cooling system.

It is particularly important to note that this does not just happen when the weather is extremely hot or if your parent is outside. Simply being inside a small space, such as a vehicle, dressing inappropriately, or not having an adequate cooling system, can put your parent at severe risk of heat stress and the health complications associated with it.

Signs of Heat Stress

Some of the warning signs that your senior is dealing with heat stress include:

  • Dry skin
  • Lack of sweat
  • Chest pain
  • Extreme weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Cramps
  • Throbbing headache
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Rapid pulse
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting

Risk Factors for Heat Stress

If your parent struggles with certain health problems already, they might be at further increased risk for heat stress.

These health problems include:

If you are concerned that your senior is at particular risk for heat stress, talk to their doctor. They can help you to identify your parent’s risk factors and help you to make care decisions that will help to protect your parent from the heat.

Contact Sonas for Home Care Services

Starting home care services for your elderly loved one can be one of the best decisions that you can make for your senior throughout the course of your caregiver journey with your aging parent. A home care services provider can be in the home with your aging loved one on a customized schedule that is right for them.

They will work with you and your parent to design a highly personalized set of services tailored to their individual needs, challenges, and limitations. In addition to helping them to manage these issues, they can also help your senior to pursue a lifestyle that is as active, engaged, and independent as possible as they age in place.

This can include assisting your parent with activities of daily living and personal care, offering companionship and support, and even providing safe and reliable transportation that will help your parent stay safe, healthy, and comfortable, and also seek out a life that is as fulfilling as they can during this chapter of their lives.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring home care services in Florida, contact the caring staff at Sonas Home Health Care today. (888) 592-5855

Sources
https://www2.erie.gov/seniorservices/index.php?q=heat-stress

Jillian Miller
Jillian Miller BSN, RN
Director of Nursing at Sonas Home Health Care

This blog was reviewed by Jillian Miller BSN, RN — Director of Nursing for Sonas Home Health Care’s Tampa Bay market — for clinical accuracy. Jillian Miller has been a nurse for 16 years — working primarily in pediatrics. She believes the best part of working with the pediatric population is when you see smiles from clients when you first enter the room. She loves seeing the difference you can make in families’ lives while providing the best care possible for them.

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