When you are out and about, you may need different heat-safe strategies.
Watch the Forecast
Local weather reports and advisories can warn you of high heat and humidity, which can help you decide when to go out. “Think about heat as an environmental health risk, like wildfire smoke and ash or subzero temperatures,” says Dr. Wint. Also remember to check not just the temperature but the heat index — what the heat actually feels like.
Schedule Around the Heat
If you go out, avoid exposure to the sun during the hottest part of the day, which is usually between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., says Perez.
You may need to change your routine in the hot seasons and rearrange when you take a daily walk or do yard work, says Wint. For example, if you typically weed your garden after lunch, try moving this activity to after breakfast.
Dress for Success
Your clothes can either trap heat or wick it away and keep you cool. Wear loose-fitting clothes made with natural, breathable fabrics in light colors, and add a wide-brimmed hat for extra protection.
If you have trouble remembering to dress for the weather, ask your caregiver to help you set out clothes for the week.
Use the Buddy System
As Alzheimer’s progresses, confusion can lead you to wander off into an unsafe situation, but inviting someone to go with you can lessen this risk. “Having another person present to help is really important — someone there to remember how long you’ve been outside, apply sunscreen, give reminders to drink water, and assist the person with Alzheimer’s disease into areas that are shaded,” says Mournighan. If you start to wander, you can create a safety plan with your loved ones to do frequent check-ins or add door locks if needed, she adds.
Find Indoor Alternatives
Sometimes, no matter what precautions you take, outdoor heat can get overpowering. If you get hot, head somewhere cooler — in shade or indoors — because just slowing your activity may not be enough to cool you off in hot or humid weather, says Wint.
But hot days don’t have to be spent at home. You can visit cooling centers in your town, like community centers, libraries, or a mall. These places can also provide relief during the hottest parts of the day if you don’t have access to air-conditioning at home.
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