Helping Older Adults Stay Safe During North Texas Summer Heat

Heat is a safety issue for older adults in a way it is not for most of the family. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says: “People aged 65 years or older are more prone to heat-related health problems.” In North Texas, where hot stretches run long, that makes a plan worth having before July.

This guide is general information based on the CDC, the National Institute on Aging (NIA), the National Weather Service (NWS), Ready.gov and Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). It is not medical advice, and it is not a substitute for talking to your parent's doctor.

Why older adults are at higher risk

The CDC notes that older adults “are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that changes normal body responses to heat” and “are more likely to take prescription medicines that affect the body's ability to control its temperature or sweat.”

The NIA adds a point families often miss: “The temperature inside or outside does not have to be high to put them at risk for a heat-related illness.” It also lists living in places without air conditioning and becoming dehydrated among the factors that raise risk.

Warning signs, and when to call 911

The National Weather Service lists these symptoms of heat exhaustion: heavy sweating; weakness or tiredness; cool, pale, clammy skin; fast, weak pulse; muscle cramps; dizziness, nausea or vomiting; headache; fainting. Its first aid advice is to move the person to a cooler place, loosen clothing, apply cool wet cloths and offer sips of water, and to seek immediate medical attention if the person vomits or symptoms worsen or last longer than an hour.

Heat stroke is more serious. The NWS lists throbbing headache; confusion; slurred speech; nausea; dizziness; body temperature above 103°F; hot, red, dry or damp skin; rapid and strong pulse; fainting; loss of consciousness.

Keeping the house cool

• Air conditioning first. Texas DSHS says staying in an air-conditioned area, “either at home or at public places like malls, libraries or community centers, is the best way to combat heat.”
• Be careful with fans. The CDC says: “Use fans, but only if indoor temperatures are less than 90°F. In temperatures above 90°F, a fan can increase body temperature.” It also says: “Do not rely on a fan as your main cooling source when it's really hot outside.” Ready.gov puts it this way: fans “do not reduce body temperature or prevent heat-related illnesses.”
• Keep the sun out. Ready.gov suggests covering windows with drapes or shades.
• Avoid adding heat. The CDC says, “Don't use the stove or oven to cook—it will make you and your house hotter.”
• Dress and rest for the heat. The CDC suggests loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing, cool showers or baths, and avoiding very strenuous activity.

Fluids and medicines

The CDC advises drinking more water than usual and not waiting until you are thirsty. It also says that if a doctor limits the fluids a person drinks or has them on water pills, ask how much to drink in hot weather.

On medicines, the CDC says: “Many medicines can make you dehydrated or overheated on hot days.” Its guidance is clear: “Don't stop or change your medicines until you talk to your doctor.” The NIA suggests asking the doctor whether any medication makes a person more likely to become overheated or sunburned.

Check in more often

The CDC's checklist for people caring for older adults is to keep “a close eye on those in your care by visiting them at least twice a day,” and to ask whether they are drinking enough water, have access to air conditioning, know how to keep cool, and show signs of heat stress. Texas DSHS gives the same twice-a-day guidance for older friends, neighbors and family members.

Finding cooling in Texas

• 2-1-1. The CDC says to find air conditioning by dialing 2-1-1 or contacting your local health department or emergency management agency.
• Texas Division of Emergency Management. Texas DSHS says TDEM “maintains a map of local cooling centers at tdem.texas.gov/cool.”
• The CDC HeatRisk dashboard. The CDC says you can enter your zip code on its HeatRisk Dashboard for the heat risk forecast in your area.
• Rides to a cooler place. The NIA notes that if someone needs help getting to a cooler place, they can ask a friend or relative, and that some religious groups, senior centers and Area Agencies on Aging provide this service.

Plan for power outages too. Ready.gov warns that “heat waves may cause you to lose power,” and the CDC advises having a plan for refrigerated medicines and electronic medical devices.

Where Lilly's fits

Non-medical help can take pressure off hot weeks: household support with meals and laundry so the oven stays off, companion care for regular company, and transportation and errands so trips happen in the cooler part of the day. Lilly's is not an emergency service and caregivers do not provide medical treatment. In an emergency, call 911.