Lovely Warm Weather At The Moment – But Please Hydrate!
As I write this three of us are sat in the office of Independent Living with the blinds closed and a fan from B&M Bargains keeping us cool! Yesterday in the car it was 32 degrees and although cooler today it was still hot around mid-day. In providing care for older people we note that the extremes in weather/temperature affect a person’s health. When we get a cold snap in the depths of Winter we find more of our customers go to hospital with illnesses. Likewise the same occurs when we get an extended warm spell.
A big danger with older people is if they are forgetful or have dementia they may not drink fluids regularly, and if they live alone as many do they have no one prompting them frequently to get a glass of water or make a cup of tea. In addition, if a person has mobility problems they perhaps fear falling going to the kitchen and they may be tempted to delay moving to another room to fetch a drink. Common is to “get a drink in a minute” but not actually getting around to it! Hydration is vital because without it the result can be the exacerbation other illnesses such as dementia, heart problems or blood pressure. A lack of fluid is heavily linked to Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) which can bring on strange behaviour and require a course of antibiotics to clear. If a person becomes confused due to dehydration they are even less likely to notice they are thirsty and do anything about it.
Please check that an elderly loved one or neighbour has regular drinks in hot weather. If you are considering home care for an elderly relative part of Independent Living’s tasks can be to make sure food, drink and medication are provided at regular intervals.
Should you need advice or support, or are considering home care in the Chorley/Leyland area please feel to give us a call 01257 696 050 (office hours)
