Many people might choose a nice,
hot day over a blustery, cold afternoon.
However, excessively
hot days can not only feel uncomfortable,
but they can also prove life-threatening.
Elderly men and women, in particular,
are susceptible to the effects of
hot temperatures.
According to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, people ages 65
and older are more prone to heat stroke
and heat-related stress than those of
other ages. Seniors’ bodies are not able
to adjust to sudden changes in temperature
as quickly as younger people’s.
A chronic condition that affects the
body’s response to heat, as well as taking
certain prescription medications
also may play a role in seniors’ susceptibility
to the heat.
The City of Sacramento Department
of Parks and Recreation says that around
370 deaths from heat-related illnesses occur
across the United States each year.
Nearly half of those deaths are people
who are 65 and older. Prolonged heat
exposure can take quite a toll on the average
person. Factor in the more delicate
health of many seniors, and the hot
weather can be quite dangerous.
Further compounding the problem
is higher energy costs. Seniors living
on fi xed incomes may not be able to afford
to turn on air conditioners because
of the power draw.
There are different types of heat-related
injuries, though heat exhaustion
and heat stroke are the most common.
Here are signs that a person may be experiencing
one or the other.
Heat exhaustion
• Weakness
• Tiredness
• Heavy sweating
• Paleness
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fainting
• Fast, weak pulse rate
• Headache
• Fast and shallow breathing
Heat stroke
• Extremely high body temperature
Special concerns of LGBT caregivers
COURIER L 28 IFE, JULY 19–25, 2019 M BR B G
(more than 105-degrees
F)
• Red, hot and dry skin
• Absence of sweat
• Throbbing headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
What to do
Friends or family
members should check in
with an elderly relative
when the weather is especially
warm to ensure
she is safely handling the
heat.
In addition, people of all ages can
take the following precautions to keep
cool when the temperatures rise:
• Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages.
Water and diluted fruit juices can
help rehydrate the body quickly.
• Restrict physical activity.
• Take a cool shower or bath or wipe
yourself down with a damp cloth.
• Seek an air-conditioned environment.
For those who won’t or can’t turn
on the air conditioning, visit a shopping
mall or library to keep cool. Some
towns and cities also make cooling centers
available in extreme heat.
• Wear lightweight clothing.
• Try to remain indoors during the
hottest hours of the day.
• Wear hats or use an umbrella to
shield your head from sunshine outdoors.
• Eat cool foods, but avoid extremely
cold foods. Otherwise you risk the
chance of developing stomach cramps.
Wellness
Elderly especially
susceptible to the heat
Check on an elderly friend or family member at least twice a
day to ensure that she is not experiencing symptoms of heat
exhaustion or heat stroke.
In June we celebrated Pride Month
and the 50th Anniversary of Stonewall,
the start of the modern Gay
Liberation Movement. Over the past
50 years we’ve learned a lot about the
special concerns of the estimated three
million LGBT caregivers in the U.S.
caring for a person with dementia.
And, we know these challenges remain
year-round.
LGBT caregivers often face unique
challenges when caring for a person
with Alzheimer’s or dementia. It is
important that we understand these
issues and provide customized care
for the LGBT caregiver. For example,
LGBT caregivers are more likely to experience
isolation than their straight
counterparts. To combat this feeling of
isolation and loneliness, LGBT caregivers
can learn more about joining support
groups that address issues related
to the LGBT community. More than 25
years ago CaringKind partnered with
SAGE, (Services and Advocacy for
LGBT Elders) to create LGBT support
groups which have been a lifeline for
many.
A member of the dementia caregivers
support group since its inception,
one member has often told the other
members that being in the group has
made her feel more compassionate, and
that it also contributes to her patience
in caring for her mother. She was
quoted saying, “We all speak the same
language.”
While many LGBT caregivers are
providing “horizontal caregiving”—in
which they care for another LGBT
adult, such as a partner, spouse, friend,
ex-partner, or neighbor—we also see
many adult children caring for their
parents with dementia or other conditions.
It’s not unusual for an LGBT
adult among a group of siblings to act
as a primary caregiver. It’s also possible
that LGBT adults become caregivers
for their parents or other relatives
at a higher rate than non-LGBT people.
Families may presume that LGBT
adults have more time and availability
because they’re less likely to have
children. Additionally, LGBT people’s
families of origin may not be aware of
their relationships or obligations. Care
for members of their families of choice
may go unnoticed. Adult LGBT children
may also fi nd themselves caring
for parents who have not been supportive
of their LGBT identity.
Many LGBT people rely on those
families of choice rather than biological
ones for their care, and LGBT caregivers
may not be treated with the same
respect or understanding. They can be
especially vulnerable to caregiver burden,
stress, and burnout, and less likely
to seek out supportive services because
of fears of being treated poorly. More apt
than non-LGBT adults to care for each
other in isolation, LGBT caregivers can
face further strain because there is no
one else involved to share the care. Solo
caregivers are particularly vulnerable,
with compounded health disparities
and few opportunities for respite.
Culturally competent support is essential
for LGBT caregivers. To fi nd
gay-friendly resources, please call the
CaringKind Helpline at 646-744-2900.
Personalized support is only one phone
call away. You are not alone. Caring-
Kind and SAGE are here for you.
Care
Chronicle
Jed Levine
LGBT caregivers often face unique challenges when caring for a person with Alzheimer’s
or dementia.