Since I live in the United States, I naturally think of beating the heat in summer at this time of year.  In other regions of the world, you may be considering ways to keep warm or beat the cold!

Caregivers need to be particularly sensitive to the needs of Alzheimer’s patients during the hotter months, since those with dementia often don’t realize they’re too hot and may be unable to express it if they are.  Also, if they are too hot, they may think nothing of shedding whatever clothes is necessary to feel cooler, just as a small child does, irregardless of whoever is around.  

I recall a daughter relating an incident about her father.  She found him sitting on the back steps with nothing on but his necktie and sunglasses.  Her son (his grandson) sat beside him clad in a diaper.  When she, in her horror, inquired why he had no clothes on, the father informed her, “It’s hot.” 

Dehydration is another problem with Alzheimer’s patients, particularly when it’s hot.  When I urged Mother to drink more fluids, she’d reply, “I’m not thirsty,” and shut her lips firmly.  So I, and later the nurses at the home, had to tempt her with fruit juices and tea as well as water.                           Do you have successful techniques to help Alzheimer’s patients “beat the summer heat?”

Post from: Blisstree

Tips for Helping Alzheimer’s Patients Beat the Summer Heat

Since your family member with Alzheimer’s usually won’t have the judgment to protect themselves from the sun, it’s up to caregivers to do this. 

Learn more about Ultraviolet Protection Rating of clothing by visiting the www.skincancer.org site or typing the above words into a search engine.

Post from: Blisstree

Ultraviolet Protection Rating for Clothing