SUMMER WEATHER Precautions to Consider 

Aging and Life Enhancement 
By Kathryn Kilpatrick, M.A.

Safety  does not come with luck. It has to be prepared. ~Author unknown

Depending on where you live, heat waves and violent storms can be occasional or frequent weather challenges. Planning ahead for weather events may be more important when someone is disabled or experiencing physical or cognitive challenges. (The Alzheimer’s Association states that approximately 12 -18% of people 60 or older are living with Mild Cognitive Impairment). 

Then there are those who live alone and may be experiencing physical or financial challenges. Many do not have someone checking in on them regularly. Perhaps their family and loved ones do not live nearby or have not seen the person recently so they are not aware of the specifics of their living situation or recent personal challenges. 

I am prepared for the worst, but hope for the best. ~Benjamin Disraeli

There are a lot of factors to take into consideration since potential issues related to summer heatwaves, in particular, can create some infrequent but potential life-threatening challenges. Chronic health conditions can increase when there are weather-related challenges, particularly as relates to safety.

Warm weather and summer sunshine require extra precautions. As the body ages, there is a decreased ability to perspire and regulate body temperature. The risk of dehydration also increases the possibility of heat stroke or sunburn, making the older population more prone to heat stress. Signs of hyperthermia may include headaches, nausea, dizziness, cramps, etc. Many people are not aware that certain medications can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate heat.

A person’s ability to adapt their behavior to these weather-related issues takes a significant amount of not only thought but decision making. When a person’s executive functioning is not up to par for any number of reasons, this is where assistance or support is important.

Create ahead of time an  important information  form with details such as contact numbers, medical history, list of medications, personal preferences and any restrictions, physician(s) and any other pertinent details. This will be very important when someone is offering feedback to the family or if they need to obtain assistance. Updating it on a regular basis is also essential.

The time to prepare the roof is when the sun is shining. ~John F. Kennedy

Consider putting together a checklist to refer to ahead of time; getting things in place before the weather issue occurs. Hurrying around at the last minute only compounds stress and confusion. What worked last year, however, may not be adequate or appropriate as circumstances change, such as a living arrangement, medical necessities  or changes in personal preferences. 

Remember, it is not unusual for people in someone’s inner support system to be experiencing some issues of their own and may eventually not be the best resource. Sometimes they discount what is happening, saying they are just “older,” only sometimes “forgetful” or just “stubborn”  and important details are overlooked.

One daughter contacted an agency to have someone see her mother once every few weeks since she lived a 10-hour drive away. Her objective was for that person to bring in a few needed groceries and do some cleaning up around the apartment every couple of weeks. The daughter needed someone who knew her mom well so a visit could be scheduled if there were weather events or other concerns that arose and she could get the bigger picture and make appropriate decisions from there.

              BE PROACTIVE – CIRCUMSTANCES TO CONSIDER  

1. Is there a location a person might go to that can be arranged such as a cooling center, senior center or a library for summertime weather-related concerns?
2. Who are the current contact people available to easily check in with to learn specific details regarding the current weather situation and pertinent issues like the status of any  power outages?
3. Is wandering a concern? In my neighborhood, an older gentleman started walking around  during a forecast of threatening high winds, of which he was unaware. Wandering is dangerous, and more so during  excessive heat. Add to that dehydration with its complications like confusion and possible agitation, which may arise  if there is even a mild cognitive impairment at play.
4. Is there some who can bring over bottles of water if needed? (Can the person open them easily?) Maybe water needs to be in a small pitcher or the caps loosened.  If they do not like water, consider flavored lemon water. Caffeine and alcohol should be avoided, as well as sugary drinks. 
5. No candles! Are there batteries for flashlights or other sources not needing electricity? Can they see to put the batteries in correctly?
6. If there is still power, is there an air conditioner?  If it is rarely used, can they see the numbers to be able to set the temperature to a reasonable level? Fans can be a great option but cords can be an accident waiting to happen. These options may not be used often, so it may be confusing, especially if the situation is unusual.  Their stress level may ramp up, which will increase any underlying confusion if no one is there to provide assistance. Even giving directions over the phone may be challenging, especially if there is a hearing loss.  

You might develop a checklist for the person (or you)  to use under these circumstances to refer to. Make sure it is legible and make a copy; revise periodically as needed.

Some ideas when appropriate during a heat wave:

• Make any appointments or do errands early in the day
• Best to stay inside from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• If outside, sit under an umbrella or under a tree
• Shut the windows and close the shades/blinds, especially on the south side
• Wear loose-fitting clothing
• Take a cool shower (or bath) or take a wet washcloth and put it in the refrigerator. Put it on your forehead or back of your neck to cool down.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol
• Fully charge all electronic devices

All situations are different as well as available resources. The problem is, if there is a mild cognitive issue or dementia coupled with other challenges such as hearing, visual and physical changes, the needs are not always obvious until a challenging situation has occurred.

“Worry never accomplishes anything. When you have a problem, it is best to concentrate on the solution to that problem, not the problem itself.” ~Thomas D. Willhite