Lincoln senior home adjusts as hazardous heat continues
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Breaking old records again on Tuesday, the heat has been taxing for many this week — especially older adults.
Temperatures in Lincoln for three days straight have topped 100 degrees.
Older people cannot regulate their body temperature as fast during a heat wave, so caregivers are stressing how important it is to check on loved ones this week.
SEE ALSO: ‘It doesn’t take very long’: Nebraska doctors warn of heat illness as high temps persist
Orchard Park Assisted Living asked staff on Wednesday to check on residents more often.
“I did ask the staff today to check on the residents every two hours just to make sure that everybody was doing all right,” administrator Gayleen Bradley said. “I had walked into a room today, and they actually had the heat on. That let me know that maybe we needed to do some more checking.”
Heat is the deadliest weather hazard.
But those who struggle to think clearly, caregivers say, don’t recognize how truly hot and dangerous it can be.
“I actually had to show one of them on my phone the excessive heat index that was going on to get her to understand how hot it really is,” Bradley said. “They’re not recognizing that it is just really hot outside.”
Along with more regular checkups, staff are bringing the residents cups of water to keep hydrated.
Bradley said water can be crucial in warding off headaches and dizziness.
Many older people like to wear layers of clothing because they get cold easily, Bradley said, so staff have to monitor for overheating.
Eating habits can change, too.
Loss of appetite, combined with other symptoms, can lead to more frequent falls.
“I would keep a really close eye on them,” Bradley said. “It’s very difficult for them to recognize that it’s as hot as it is outside. Even more so than just calling them, actually going over there and setting eyes on them is the most important thing to do.”
