Summer heat can make just about anyone feel uncomfortable. But for a senior with COPD, summer heat can be truly debilitating. Follow some of these suggestions to help your senior to beat the summer temperatures without making an exacerbation more likely.
Talk to Your Senior’s Doctor about Nutrition
Nutrition is always important for your senior, but if she has COPD, nutrition is everything. The body burns a ton of calories just breathing, so your senior may find it difficult to keep weight on because of COPD. It’s possible that she might need to supplement what she’s eating, and her doctor can help her to know what supplements she needs. Staying healthy and having the nutrients that she needs can help your senior to avoid exacerbations.
Pay Attention to the Weather and Plan Ahead as Much as Possible
The weather can vary, even during the hottest parts of the summer. If your elderly family member enjoys being outside, make sure that you’re prepared by checking the weather forecast regularly. Packing a kit for her to take with her if she is on the go might also be important. That might include medications and inhalers she may need, extra water, and a snack. Taking cooling breaks is also important. An elderly care provider can accompany your senior on short day trips to ensure their safety outside.
Encourage Your Senior to Drink Plenty of Water
Water is crucial for seniors with COPD. It helps to thin mucus that might otherwise get caught in the lungs and turn into pneumonia. It also helps your senior’s body to function more smoothly, which can mean that it burns fewer calories tackling routine activities. That can be important for your senior because it’s so difficult to maintain a healthy weight with COPD. Plenty of fluids also helps your senior to avoid dehydration when the weather is hot.
Encourage Her to Conserve as Much Energy as Possible
Conservation of energy is always important for people who have COPD. That’s even more vital during hot weather, because heat takes so much out of your senior. It might be a good idea to hire elderly care providers to be there for her to offer assistance as needed. This can help your senior to spend her energy more wisely, on the tasks that really matter.
Staying cool in the heat of summer can help your aging family member to breathe better and to feel better overall if she’s battling COPD. If she does show signs of an exacerbation, contact her doctor right away.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING HIRING ELDERLY CARE IN PALO ALTO, CA, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT HOME HELPERS TODAY (408) 317-4969.
