This summer, Germany is once again experiencing periods of severe heat. Extreme heat events will continue to occur more frequently in the future. One population group that particularly suffers from the high temperatures are older people.
“Heat can cause significant health damage to seniors.”
Prof. Dr. Nils Schneider, Director of the Institute for General Medicine and Palliative Medicine at the MHH
Help with heat
Together with a team of geriatric and general medical experts, he created the guide “Help with heat in homes”. It contains numerous useful tips for the management and nursing staff of nursing homes, family doctors and relatives of nursing home residents. However, many of the practical measures can also be used outside of homes, for example when caring for older people at home.
Older citizens and people with chronic previous illnesses are at risk of falls, dehydration, confusion and circulatory collapse or arrest at high temperatures. The guide “Help with heat in homes” contains technical information on how to avoid health risks. Topics covered include heat warning levels, symptoms of dehydration and fluid intake and control. The guide also reminds us of what needs to be taken into account for older patients with certain illnesses and when administering and dosing medications such as diuretics, antihypertensives and neuroleptics.
“People who take a variety of medications are particularly at risk. Here, after consulting a doctor, reducing the dose of certain medications can be useful.”
Private lecturer Dr. Olaf Krause, geriatrician at the DIAKOVERE Henriettenstift and head of the interdisciplinary team of experts at the MHH
It provides relatives with suggestions for measures with which they can protect their loved ones in the home from health damage caused by heat waves.
“The specialist staff in homes have many options to avert the effects of high summer temperatures. But there are also very simple measures that help older people survive hot periods well, whether in a care home or at home.”
Private lecturer Dr. Olaf Krause, geriatrician at the DIAKOVERE Henriettenstift and head of the interdisciplinary team of experts at the MHH
These measures include:
- Blinds/curtains in the rooms
- Fans in the rooms
- Pocket fans for airflow to the face
- Change your food (e.g. cold bowl instead of soup)
- Drink enough (approx. 1.5 liters per day, slightly carbonated mineral water, spritzer)
- Airy clothing
- Thinner duvet
- Cool skin with a damp washcloth (for example on the forehead)
- Avoid direct sun and remember to wear sun protection and a hat when outside
Anyone interested can download/print out the guide “Help with heat in homes” free of charge: HERE (PDF)
Source: German Health Portal
This might also be of interest: Heat: When heat tips turn out to be potentially deadly myths!
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