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We pride ourselves here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care in Winder, GA for helping more than our residents and their families. We take great pride in helping you, our neighbors here in Winder who lovingly provide at-home assisted living care and/or memory care support to your loved ones. Today we’re going to discuss a very important topic related to the extreme heat that is currently blanketing our nation.

Older Adults are more vulnerable to heat stress because they do not adjust as well as younger people to sudden changes in temperature. They are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that changes normal body responses to heat or to be taking prescription medicines that affect the body’s ability to control its temperature or sweat.

Exposure to high temperatures can increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. These heat-related illnesses can be dangerous or life-threatening. We offer some basic things to seriously consider regarding the safety of your assisted living and/or memory care for loved ones at home.

Have an Extreme Heat Plan.

Keep an eye on weather forecasts and heat advisories so you know when extreme heat is coming and how long it will last. Drink more water than usual throughout the day and wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing.

Know the Signs!

Heat exhaustion signs include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and headache. Heat stroke symptoms include a fever of 103 degrees F or higher, confusion, and loss of consciousness. If you are suffering from heat stroke, seek medical attention immediately.

Have Family, Friends, or Neighbors Check in on You During Extreme Heat Events.

Let’s take care of each other and keep each other safe. Make sure to have access to a working phone – a landline can be helpful during a power outage – and keep an emergency contract list close by.

Keep Cool.

Know where your local cooling center is located and where to find transportation. Set your A/C to 75—80 degrees F. If air conditioning isn’t available, visit spaces with air-conditioning, like a cooling center, library, community center or shopping center.

Check Your Meds.

Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to see if any of your medications affect your body’s ability to regulate temperature.

Save the To-Do List for Later.

Avoid being outside in the direct heat for a long time, especially when the sun’s rays are the strongest (between 10:00am and 4pm). Avoid alcohol and caffeine as those beverages can dehydrate you further.

Other Helpful Tips.

If you’re unable to travel to or find an air-conditioned space, consider the following at home:

• Close windows, doors, shades, and curtains to prevent hot air and sunlight from entering during the hottest parts of the day.


• If air conditioning isn’t available, take extra precautions. The use of fans can help mitigate some heat, but high temperatures without humidity can make fans ineffective in properly cooling your body.


• Wet a towel with cool water and place it on the back of your neck. Light-colored, lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made of natural fabrics also help.


• Take a cool shower or bath to help reduce body temperature and provide relief from the heat.

All of us here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care in Winder, GA carry our deepest respect and best wishes for all of you providing your loved ones with assisted living and/or memory care services there at home. We manage this assisted living and memory care blog in the trust that is serves all of you at-home caregivers to provide efficient and improved care services while simultaneously lowering the known burden that comes with your selfless care endeavors.