For EHPADs, to the management of covid is added that of the heatwave . How are they coping with this difficult period?
We speak of a heatwave when temperatures exceed 35°C during the day without falling below 20°C at night, for several days in a row. For everyone, it is a real scourge: the heatwave slows down activity and can cause sunstroke and severe dehydration , particularly among the elderly . Why are they more vulnerable than others?
First of all, they often suffer from sweating disorders , their bodies do not produce enough sweat and adapt poorly to sudden rises in temperature.
A disruption of the thirst mechanism may also occur which, in the elderly , occurs later.
As we age, the quantity of water present in the body decreases: from 75% in infants to only 50% in seniors . In addition, certain medications (diuretics, laxatives), even certain illnesses (diabetes) increase water loss. It is therefore essential for them to drink regularly.
How to manage the heatwave in an EHPAD?
In EHPADs, care teams must provide the necessary care to each resident 24 hours a day.
During a heatwave , dehydration could be fatal as in 2003 when it cost the lives of more than 14,800 elderly people during one of the deadliest heatwaves in history.
Following the wave of deaths caused by the coronavirus , they must be even more vigilant to avoid risking new contamination. What are the solutions to prevent history from repeating itself, especially during this period of covid-19?
Their lifestyle must be adapted doubly:
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In your home : close the shutters, curtains or blinds of the windows located on the facades exposed to the sun; at night, create drafts in the home; check that the air conditioning is well filtered to avoid transmission of the virus; disinfect the rooms regularly.
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When traveling : avoid taking elderly people out during the hottest hours (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.); make them wear masks.
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In their wardrobe : if they go out, make sure they wear a hat and loose, light-colored clothes;
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In their diet : make them drink between one and a half and two liters of water per day; do not make them consume alcohol, which impairs their ability to fight heat waves and promotes dehydration ; avoid high-caffeine or very sugary drinks ; make them eat normally even when not hungry.
In order to stay hydrated on a daily basis, a solution was designed by two young French people , Théo Heude and Jérémy Boué, long-time friends, met in Australia. After experiencing dehydration situations during their travels, they decided to take a closer look.
They wish, among other things, to help seniors by offering them a solution rich in mineral salts and trace elements to consume by dissolving a tablet in water. A method to optimize water absorption and better withstand heat waves.
The founders of hydratis do not stop there, they are currently working on developing a formula with a working group made up of health professionals and members of the French Red Cross as well as EHPAD patients. The goal is to offer the most optimal and innovative solution to help the most vulnerable people.
