HEALTH RISK FACTORS:

Although anyone can suffer from heat related illness, some people are at greater risk such as those who are in the following categories:
Age 65 or older and/or have one or more of medical conditions including:

• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Psychiatric or cognitive disorders
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Respiratory conditions
• Obesity

Certain prescribed medications that can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses include:

• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Antipsychotic or neuroleptic medications
• Certain tranquilizers
• Some medications for Parkinson’s Disease
• Diuretics
• Beta blockers
• Calcium channel blockers
• Antihistamines

Helping People Prepare for Extreme Heat:

Air Conditioners

Encourage at-risk individuals to use their air conditioners during periods of extreme heat. Many people do not like to use air conditioners either to save money or because they do not like cold air. Suggest tips to conserve energy and keep the climate comfortable such as setting the temperature at 78 degrees or higher. Make sure the air conditioners are in good working order and insulate any spaces between the air conditioner and window to make sure there is a tight fit.

If an at-risk individual does not have an air conditioner, discuss options they may have during extreme heat periods. If they are able to relocate, suggest locations that have air conditioning including:

• Libraries
• Shopping Malls
• Cooling Centers (located by calling in NYC by calling 311 or visit www.nyc.gov/oem for more information)
• Senior Centers
• Friends or neighbors that have air conditioners

Fans

Be careful about relying on FANS. When the room temperature is in the high 90’s fans will not prevent heat- related illnesses because they just blow hot air around. Fans may be useful at night, to help circulate cooler air from open windows or when used in conjunction with air conditioning.

Shades

Shades, draperies or awnings should cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun.

Remind at-risk individuals about the following general tips:

Outside Activities

• Limit strenuous activities during an extreme heat period
• Dress in loose-fitting, light weight clothing
• Wear a wide brimmed hat
• Use sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher
• Schedule outdoor activity during morning or evening hours when temperatures are cooler

Fluids

• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic and non-caffeine beverages
• Avoid overly sugary drinks (sports drinks)
• Avoid hot foods and heavy meals
• Try cool (not cold) showers for relief
• Consult your doctor if you are on a fluid restricted diet or have heart, kidney, liver diseases or have a problem with fluid retention.

Air Quality and Respiratory Illnesses

Be aware of air quality-related respiratory problems. High levels of air pollutants including high levels of ozone can occur during heat waves. Ozone can cause breathing problems, especially among those with respiratory conditions. If you have a respiratory illness, limit outdoor activity when ozone levels are high especially in the afternoon and early evening hours. Staying in an air conditioned environment reduces ozone exposure.

This information is not intended to provide medical advice. Always seek the advice from a health care provider.

For more tips on preventing heat-related illnesses, visit www.fema.gov/areyouready/heat.shtm or
www.bt.cdc.gov/disaster/extremeheat/heat_guide.asp

Care for your body by attending to your basic needs for nourishment and nurturance. Healthy foods, consistent meals and snacks, hydration, regular exercise, and sufficient quality sleep and rest are important factors that can reduce the negative effects of the chronic stress of caregiving and promote resilience. Monitor and moderate your intake of caffeine, sugar, alcohol, and nicotine. Don’t forget to focus on your own healthcare needs. Discuss your caregiver status with your physician and other healthcare professionals.

Care for your mind by identifying the positive aspects and rewards of caregiving on a regular basis. Ask yourself the question:”What am I learning from this experience?” Acknowledge and recognize your efforts, commitment, and contributions. You may not be able to change the reality of the caregiving situation; but you can change your perception of it and your response to it.

Care for your emotional and psychological self by cultivating awareness and acceptance of your changing feelings and moods. Share your feelings and struggles with others. Reach out to your family, friends, and community. Consider joining a support group for caregivers or seeking professional counseling.

Care for your Spiritual Self in a way that is most meaningful to you. A spiritual or religious community may provide comfort, compassion, and support.  Engaging in practices such as reflection, prayer, contemplation, or meditation may be helpful. Creating your own meaningful rituals may also provide solace.

SelectCare would like to acknowledge Sarah Waxse, LCSW, Caregivers Services, HealthOutreach, 212-746-4365 for the contribution of this article.

 

Abitu Suma came to the United States in 1972 at a tender age of 22 to pursue a career in health care.  Abi attended classes, worked with several clients and joined SelectCare in 1996.  She has been described by the SelectCare supervisors as a dependable, kind and conscientious staff member.  Abi has a gentle and soothing way about her which has a calming affect on the most agitated clients. Abi has worked with the same client for 5 years and  has been a cornerstone of the client’s care.

Abi has a creative talent that we love to see! Abi is an accomplished seamstress and has made some of the most beautiful dresses for special occasions. Her other special talent is being very involved in her grandchildren’s lives: Zakiyyah, Azizah, Issa, Abi, and Foday.

 

Debra Williams understands that listening is an art and she enjoys the stories her clients tell her.  Deb has cared for SelectCare clients for 11 years and for many years before on her home island, St. Vincent.  “Listening is a way of developing trust in a relationship; understanding the client’s need to show someone they were once vibrant, independent and responsible.”

When not caring for the elderly, Deb enjoys cooking, traveling and being with her grandchildren: Rajon, Raheem, Xekia, Angelina, Sernety and Nassir.  Deb believes in passing on the wisdom of her grandmother to her grands: “Always respect each other; manners and good behavior will take you through the world.”

Beverly Maynard takes care of herself through exercise and healthy eating habits that help her bring positive energy and enthusiasm to her clients.  Beverly’s special nurturing qualities help the clients be as self sufficient and independent as possible.  Beverly believes that the most important thing she can do for the client is help them feel good about themselves, and look forward to feeling better.

Beverly has been a family caregiver for many relatives through the years including her grandmother who had Alzheimer’s Disease, an ill mother and relatives who were diagnosed with cancer.  Not only does she take great care of SelectCare clients, but she is the mother of two young men, Khary, 15 and Nathan 13.  On Saturdays, you will find Beverly attending classes for her LPN license through the NYC Board of Education.

Beverly and her client, Mr. Toren, are on the front page of our website and their photo was part of a show produced by Simon Biswas, son of our RN Field Nurse Supervisor, Joan Biswas.

Now that the weather is finally warming up let’s review some quick safety tips.

When going out:

Canes and Walkers: Check the bottom of canes for worn tips. Easy Fix: Local pharmacies sell rubber tips for canes and walkers that can easily replace worn, split or broken tips.

Safe Footwear: Check the bottom of shoes and boots for traction. Easy Fix: Wear rubber soled shoes to prevent slipping on wet, uneven sidewalks or residual ice. Make sure your shoes fit comfortably and your foot does not slip inside the shoe.

Use Small Pocketbooks: Carrying heavy or large pocketbooks may cause balance problems. Smaller pocket books that can be slung around the body leave hands free and creates better balance.

Wheelchairs: Check the wheels for wear and tear and make sure the brakes are in good working order. All rented wheel chairs have the name and phone number of the supply company. Supply companies will arrange to repair or replace the wheelchairs if needed.

In Your Home:

Replace batteries in all smoke and CO2 alarms.  Batteries should be replaced every 6 months. An easy way to remember to check the batteries is to perform this check on Daylight Savings Days in the Spring and Fall.  Prevent falls or accidents by asking building maintenance personnel to change the batteries using a safe ladder or step stool.  Check batteries in flashlights, and the expiration date on the batteries.

Check the expiration dates of canned foods in your cupboards that have been put aside for emergency provisions.

Keep pathways clutter-free to prevent trips, slips and falls:

• Make sure newspapers, magazines papers are off the floor
• Area rugs are taped or tacked down
• Electrical cords are not in areas where an elder can trip

SelectCare takes client and caregiver safety very seriously. Part of the RN Field Nurse Supervisor’s monthly visit is dedicated to evaluate the above safety issues and assist in resolving any safety issues that are identified. We encourage our clients and families to call us with any concerns regarding safety.

Led by Director of Nursing, Janet Stofkoper, all Home Health Aides are required to attend 12 hours of continuing education per year.  During the First Quarter, Janet reviews Infection Control, Safety in the Home and Emergency and Disaster Planning.  Continuous training and practice ensures that our staff is well prepared for any contingency!

For more information on how you can prepare for emergencies, log onto www.nyc.gov/oem.

Meet SelectCare staff members who participated in our recent Inservice Meetings:

Galzie Cardoza has been caring for SelectCare clients since she emigrated from Jamaica, May, 1990. Galzie learned about home care while volunteering with elders in Jamaica and continued her career in New York. Galzie said that she learned about caring for Alzheimer’s clients through on the job training and continuing inservices. Galzie has enjoyed working with our most challenging clients and treats them all with care, respect and gentle humor. Galzie is very proud of her 7 children, 24 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren and is very excited that her “babies” will see Grandma’s picture on the internet!!!

RN Field Nurse Supervisor, Joan Biswas and AcceessNY representative, Marva Gayle discuss the free online service that helps all New Yorkers learn about benefits and programs that they may be eligible to receive. Marva taught our service staff how to access and use the website to identify benefits for our clients and our home care staff.

Some of the benefits are: Food Stamps, Housing, Medical Insurance, Child Care, Elder Care, Summer Camp programs, HEAP (Heat Assistance) Rent Assistance

Please visit www.nyc.gov/accessnyc and use the website to see if you or someone you know may be eligible to receive assistance.