It is widely known that prolonged exposure to high temperatures can be detrimental to the health of any individual. In the case of seniors, it can lead to severe illness and death.
Fortunately, British Columbia has launched a Heat Alert and Response System designed to alert residents in areas where high temperatures are deemed dangerous to their health.
At AgeCare, we have created an Extreme Heat Response Plan to guide us during the summer months. Our goal is to maintain a comfortable temperature between 72⁰F/22⁰C and 76⁰F/24⁰C throughout our communities, and to do this we take actions such as keeping windows and curtains closed during the daylight hours, keeping doors to residents' rooms open to promote airflow, and adding portable air conditioners and fans as needed. We also ask families to provide their loved ones with a fan for their room.
Other precautionary measures we take include:
- posting Severe Weather Heat notices
- cancelling outdoor events and resident outings during heat events
- stocking cooling cloths and cold packs in freezers
- ensuring windows remain closed when there is air conditioning in the building
- identifying and purchasing supplies for cooling zones for each community
- stocking additional filters to respond to any smoke from forest fires
- educating staff on the signs and symptoms of heat injuries
- increasing hydration rounds
Families are an important part of the equation when it comes to keeping our residents safe and healthy this summer. As family members, we ask that you consider the forecast when planning visits and outings and choose options with air conditioning when heat is a factor. We also ask that they help us keep curtains closed and doors open in resident rooms, open windows only if there is no air conditioning, encourage your loved one to stay hydrated, and pay close attention to any warning signs that your loved one might be suffering from heat exposure.
With everyone taking extraordinary care in the heat, we can enjoy the summer months safely and carry on with our daily aspirations of living well and making meaningful memories.
For further information and resources, please visit your health authority's websites at:
For heat and air quality updates, tune into the news or download the WeatherCAN App.
