Whether it’s the colours of autumn, falling snow in winter, the sprouting plants in spring or the warmth of summer, each season has its positives. But as the seasons change, there are also new challenges and difficulties to consider, especially for those of a vulnerable age. As we gear up for the approaching summer months in Australia, it’s important to check in on your elderly loved ones to prevent health risks and ensure a healthy and happy summer season. Whether it’s a regular visit or a phone call, read on to learn how you can help check in on your elderly loved one this summer and protect their health.
Summer in Australia
In Australia, summer begins in December and continues until the end of February. During the three months of summer in Australia, average temperatures can range from 18.6 – 25.8°C (65.5 – 78.4°F), and reach up to 50°C in regional parts of Australia.
Did you know? In the summer of 2012–13, Australia reached its hottest day on record when temperatures reached 49.6 °C on 12 January in the far north-east of South Australia.
The average humidity during summer in Australia can also spike to 65%.
5 Major health dangers for older Australians during summer
Summer is the hottest time of the year. Protecting your elderly loved ones this summer begins with knowing some of the major health risks during the warmer months. Although these health dangers apply to all ages, the effects on an older person can be especially harmful. Here are seven major health dangers for older people during summer:
1. Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when the body doesn’t have enough water to continue functioning at its best. If the required fluids are replenished, the body will become dehydrated.
Water is essential for our bodily functions, aiding our digestion, lubricating joints, balancing hormonal levels, delivering oxygen to the body and regulating our bodily functions.
Older adults typically have a lower volume of water in their bodies and may consume certain medications that can increase the risk of dehydration.
Fact: A normal temperature range is around 36-37°C. The temperature of our body can fluctuate during the day depending on age, hormones, activities before measuring or the time of day.
When someone is dehydrated, they may experience some of the following symptoms:
- extreme thirst
- very dry mouth or tongue
- breathing fast
- low blood pressure
- little to no urine
- fatigue or dizziness
- Sunken eyes, cheeks
- Irritability or confusion.
Ongoing dehydration can cause additional complications such as muscle cramps, deteriorating memory and coordination, affecting kidney function and increasing the risk of kidney stones.
2. Heatstroke
Heatstroke, also called hyperthermia, occurs when the body temperature rises above its normal range. Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition when your body is absorbing more heat than it can expel by sweating. It can cause high body temperatures, increased heart rate and loss of consciousness.
Did you know? As the body ages, its ability to adapt to changes in body temperature reduces, increasing the risk of heatstroke among older adults.
Heatstroke is caused by prolonged exposure to heat and can happen indoors or outdoors during hot or humid weather.
3. Heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a milder heat-related illness, but intervention is required as heat exhaustion can still lead to heatstroke.
Heat exhaustion can happen as a result of over-exposure to high temperatures with high humidity. It can be difficult for older adults to retain and maintain fluid levels. Alarmingly, they can experience levels of heat exhaustion even with mild to moderate activity.
An elderly loved one may experience heat exhaustion if they display some of these symptoms:
- Bursts of heavy sweating, followed by no sweat
- Faint pulse
- Muscle cramps
- Dizziness or confusion
- cold clammy skin
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fainting.
For any heat-related illnesses, take immediate action by:
- Moving an older adult to a cool and shady place
- Rehydrate with fluids such as water or IV drips
- Help the body cool down by placing a damp cloth on their body
- Loosen any of their tight and restrictive clothing
- If symptoms worsen, get immediate medical help.
4. Sunburn or heat rash
Sunburn is the result of prolonged exposure to the sun and can cause painful skin irritation and in severe cases, lead to blisters on exposed areas.
Heat rash is a similar skin condition caused by exposure to the sun and usually occurs on the neck, chest, groin or elbow. A heat rash can look like clusters of small blisters.
Remember: SPF 30 or higher is recommended for sun protection in Australia. Sunscreen should also be applied at least 20 minutes before exposure.
During the summer, you can help prevent an older adult from experiencing sunburn or heat rash by generously applying sunscreens or lotions with SPF 30 or higher, wearing heat-protective clothing, avoiding strenuous activity in the peak hours of the day, and keeping the skin in a cool place.
5. Insect bites
Mosquitoes, wasps, ticks and spiders are prevalent in warm, humid summer conditions, especially on the east coast of Australia. Families can also spend more time outdoors as the weather warms up, increasing the risk of insect bites.
The type of insect can determine the severity of the reaction on the skin. Common insect bites can result in mild skin irritation, inflammation or swelling.
If your elderly loved one has any allergies, it’s important to take precautions against insect bites this summer. Severe allergies to insect bites may cause serious swelling, pain and in extreme cases, can trigger anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis is the most severe allergic reaction triggered by bites, stings or food. It can be life-threatening, so it should always be treated as a medical emergency (learn more about how to respond to anaphylaxis here).
Symptoms of anaphylaxis can include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swollen tongue or difficulty breathing
- Swelling or tightness in the throat
- Persistent dizziness or fainting
- Swelling of face, lips and/or eyes
- Abdominal pain or vomiting.
3 signs to look for when you check in on your elderly loved ones in summer
For elderly loved ones with underlying health conditions, it’s all the more important you check in on their health and well-being during the summer months. Here are three signs to look out for when you check in on your elderly loved one this summer:
1. Weight loss
Fluctuations in weight levels can be a visible sign of an underlying health condition. Ongoing weight loss in older adults is a sign to look out for as it may be triggered by multiple factors such as:
- Loss of motivation and desire to maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Mental or emotional fatigue
- Loss of taste
- Difficulty digesting food
- Undiagnosed illness.
As you check in on your elderly loved one, look out for their weight. If you notice loose-fitting clothes, protruding bones, or disinterest in food, you must raise your concern and talk to your loved one about their well-being.
The summer holidays can be a great way to reconnect with an older adult. Try fun activities with them by hosting a family picnic, cooking for an elderly loved one or delivering food supplies.
2. Coordination and physical movements
How older adults move or engage their muscles can be another visible cue to their overall well-being. As you check in on your elderly loved one, pay attention to how they may move around the home, their walk and their energy levels. Difficulty or pain during movement or reduced coordination levels may point to a health condition.
3. Emotional well-being
With Christmas, New Years’ holidays and school holidays in the mix, life can quickly get busy during the summer months in Australia. It can be easy to forego checking in on an elderly loved one. It can also be easy to assume a lack of physical ailments means an older adult is emotionally well. This summer, don’t forget to check on an older adult’s emotional well-being too. You can’t always gauge someone’s emotional health over a phone call, so taking time to arrange a face-to-face visit can help you notice signs of withdrawal, depression or anxiety.
Some signs to look out for include the following:
- Loss of interest in hobbies or socialisation
- Untidy or neglected home environments (you may notice unwashed dishes, piling mail or excess rubbish)
- Lack of personal hygiene.
Meaningful human connection is important to an individual’s health at all stages of life. Elderly loved ones may experience more instances of isolation or loneliness. It’s important to check in on their emotional well-being this summer.
Tip: There are easy ways to check in on your elderly loved ones this summer. Get your children to draw a card, drop off a homemade treat, take them out for a drive or encourage them to pick up a new hobby.
4 ways you can help older loved ones stay safe this summer
The sweltering Australian summer heat can pose significant health risks to an older adult. Here are some ways you can protect their physical and emotional well-being this summer.
1. Encourage an elderly loved one to drink more water
During the summer, overexposure to hot and humid conditions can cause us to become dehydrated. Older adults are at higher risk of dehydration and other heat-related conditions due to their reduced ability to retain fluid. The sensors that tell our bodies to feel thirsty may also be reduced as we get older.
Water is essential to maintaining optimal health. Water helps aid digestion, protects our organs, helps deliver oxygen to parts of the body, helps absorb nutrients, improves movement, regulates our body temperatures and helps expel waste.
If you’re looking after an elderly loved one this summer, it’s important to encourage regular consumption of fluids.
Tip: Looking for a Christmas gift idea? Why not buy your elderly loved one a water bottle this summer to remind them to consume fluids regularly, especially if they’re outdoors.
2. Be sun smart
This summer, encourage your elderly loved one to be sun smart and reduce their risk of dehydration or sunburn by wearing appropriate clothing in the sun – opt for light-coloured, loosely fitted and lightweight clothing items made from breathable fabrics in summer.
Remind an elderly loved one to stay indoors during peak sunlight hours and remain in air-conditioned and well-ventilated areas during particularly hot days.
When outdoors, protective sunglasses, hats and sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher can also help older adults be sun smart this summer.
3. Plan ahead
A little planning can go a long way when it comes to protecting older adults. Outdoor activities should be limited to early morning or evening hours when temperatures are relatively cooler. Plan alternative transport options ahead of time if an older adult needs to walk in the heat.
Did you know? Homages Care Professionals can provide transport services for an elderly loved one this summer. Contact us to learn more.
4. Check the medication
If your elderly loved one requires medication, consult a health professional to learn the implications of warmer weather as some medications may cause sun sensitivity as a side effect or increase the risk of dehydration or muscle cramps. Increased humidity during the summer can also risk spoiling certain medications. This summer, help older adults learn how they can safely store and consume medication.
Do you need support? Homage’s Care Professionals can provide transport support to accompany an older adult to medical appointments, scans and treatment visits. Contact us to learn more today.
5. Schedule a time to check-in
The summer months in Australia can get busy very quickly. With holiday plans and Christmas celebrations, time can seem to fly past. Don’t let the busyness of summer cause you to neglect your older loved ones. You can:
- Set the alarm or calendar note to make a quick phone call every day. If phone calls are not an option, you can try emails.
- If you’re time-poor, prepare a set of questions you can ask your elderly loved one.
- Reach out to a neighbour or friend to ask them to check in on your elderly loved one on the days you can’t.
- Depending on your schedule and lifestyle, there may be opportunities throughout the day where an elderly loved one can accompany you during errands or school pick-ups.
- Enlist the help of food delivery services or home delivery services for food drop-offs and grocery supplies for your elderly loved one.
- Look for safe activities that an elderly loved one can be part of this summer.
How Homage can help an elderly loved one this summer
Providing personal care to a loved one can be overwhelming. This summer, our Care Professionals can check in on an elderly loved one on your behalf and ensure they are cared for and safe this summer. From transportation services to assist with daily living to meal preparation and regular check-in visits, we provide your loved ones receive the undivided attention of the caregiver, ensuring that they get the care they deserve.
Get in touch to learn more about our home care services.
- Australia’s hottest summer on record. (n.d.). Commonwealth of Australia. http://www.bom.gov.au/water/news/article.php?id=87
