• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Council on Aging
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
DONATE

  • Home
  • Programs & Services Programs & Services
    Overview
    Home & Community-based Care Options
    • Elderly Services Program
    • AddnAide
    • PASSPORT
    • Assisted Living Waiver
    • MyCare Ohio
    • Specialized Recovery Services Program
    • home52 Transportation
    Transitional Care
    • FastTrack Home
    Senior Utility and Home Repair Assistance Programs
    Aging and Disability Resource Center
    Caregiver Support Program
    • Working Caregivers
    Health & Wellness Programs
    • Health & Wellness Workshops
    • Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program
    Nursing Home Pre-Admission Review
    Other Services
  • Find Resources Find Resources
    Search for Resources
    Ohio Homestead Exemption
    COA Is a Benefits Enrollment Center
    Opioid misuse and mental health concerns in older adults
    Document Library
    • Annual Reports
  • Service Providers Service Providers
    Working with Council on Aging
    • Requests for Proposals (RFPs)
    • Be a paid caregiver through Participant Directed Care
    Overview
    PASSPORT & Assisted Living
    • Prospective Provider Information
    • Current PASSPORT Provider Information
    Elderly Services Program
    • Current ESP Provider Information
    Title III, Senior Community Services & Alzheimer State Funds
    • Information for Current Title III Providers
    Service Provider Trainings
    Clinton County Senior Services Grant
    Billing
  • About About
    Overview
    Working at Council on Aging
    • Open Positions
    • Why Work at COA?
    • Emerging Professionals Program
    Senior Leadership Team
    • Board & Advisory Councils
    Advocacy
    Funding
    • Tax Levies
    How to Help
    • Donate
  • News & Events News & Events
    Overview
    News
    Newsletters
    • Join our Mailing List
    Events
    • 2025 Forum on Aging presented by Global Meals
    • 2025 Forum on Aging Sponsorship Opportunities
    • 2025 Forum on Aging Workshops
    Public Meetings
  • Contact Contact
    Overview
    Make a Referral
    Contact Form
    Service Excellence Awards
    Communication & Media
    Community Outreach
    Title VI
  • Home
  • Programs & Services Programs & Services
    Overview
    Home & Community-based Care Options
    • Elderly Services Program
    • AddnAide
    • PASSPORT
    • Assisted Living Waiver
    • MyCare Ohio
    • Specialized Recovery Services Program
    • home52 Transportation
    Transitional Care
    • FastTrack Home
    Senior Utility and Home Repair Assistance Programs
    Aging and Disability Resource Center
    Caregiver Support Program
    • Working Caregivers
    Health & Wellness Programs
    • Health & Wellness Workshops
    • Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program
    Nursing Home Pre-Admission Review
    Other Services
  • Find Resources Find Resources
    Search for Resources
    Ohio Homestead Exemption
    COA Is a Benefits Enrollment Center
    Opioid misuse and mental health concerns in older adults
    Document Library
    • Annual Reports
  • Service Providers Service Providers
    Working with Council on Aging
    • Requests for Proposals (RFPs)
    • Be a paid caregiver through Participant Directed Care
    Overview
    PASSPORT & Assisted Living
    • Prospective Provider Information
    • Current PASSPORT Provider Information
    Elderly Services Program
    • Current ESP Provider Information
    Title III, Senior Community Services & Alzheimer State Funds
    • Information for Current Title III Providers
    Service Provider Trainings
    Clinton County Senior Services Grant
    Billing
  • About About
    Overview
    Working at Council on Aging
    • Open Positions
    • Why Work at COA?
    • Emerging Professionals Program
    Senior Leadership Team
    • Board & Advisory Councils
    Advocacy
    Funding
    • Tax Levies
    How to Help
    • Donate
  • News & Events News & Events
    Overview
    News
    Newsletters
    • Join our Mailing List
    Events
    • 2025 Forum on Aging presented by Global Meals
    • 2025 Forum on Aging Sponsorship Opportunities
    • 2025 Forum on Aging Workshops
    Public Meetings
  • Contact Contact
    Overview
    Make a Referral
    Contact Form
    Service Excellence Awards
    Communication & Media
    Community Outreach
    Title VI
Council on Aging
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
DONATE
(513) 721-1025
  • Home
  • Programs & Services Programs & Services
    Overview
    Home & Community-based Care Options
    • Elderly Services Program
    • AddnAide
    • PASSPORT
    • Assisted Living Waiver
    • MyCare Ohio
    • Specialized Recovery Services Program
    • home52 Transportation
    Transitional Care
    • FastTrack Home
    Senior Utility and Home Repair Assistance Programs
    Aging and Disability Resource Center
    Caregiver Support Program
    • Working Caregivers
    Health & Wellness Programs
    • Health & Wellness Workshops
    • Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program
    Nursing Home Pre-Admission Review
    Other Services
  • Find Resources Find Resources
    Search for Resources
    Ohio Homestead Exemption
    COA Is a Benefits Enrollment Center
    Opioid misuse and mental health concerns in older adults
    Document Library
    • Annual Reports
  • Service Providers Service Providers
    Working with Council on Aging
    • Requests for Proposals (RFPs)
    • Be a paid caregiver through Participant Directed Care
    Overview
    PASSPORT & Assisted Living
    • Prospective Provider Information
    • Current PASSPORT Provider Information
    Elderly Services Program
    • Current ESP Provider Information
    Title III, Senior Community Services & Alzheimer State Funds
    • Information for Current Title III Providers
    Service Provider Trainings
    Clinton County Senior Services Grant
    Billing
  • About About
    Overview
    Working at Council on Aging
    • Open Positions
    • Why Work at COA?
    • Emerging Professionals Program
    Senior Leadership Team
    • Board & Advisory Councils
    Advocacy
    Funding
    • Tax Levies
    How to Help
    • Donate
  • News & Events News & Events
    Overview
    News
    Newsletters
    • Join our Mailing List
    Events
    • 2025 Forum on Aging presented by Global Meals
    • 2025 Forum on Aging Sponsorship Opportunities
    • 2025 Forum on Aging Workshops
    Public Meetings
  • Contact Contact
    Overview
    Make a Referral
    Contact Form
    Service Excellence Awards
    Communication & Media
    Community Outreach
    Title VI
Council on Aging
DONATE
(513) 721-1025
Thanks for visiting, but before you go...

Sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date on what’s happening at COA and in the fields of aging and disability services:

Sign Up
  • Home
  • Programs & Services
    • Overview
    • Home & Community-based Care Options
      • Elderly Services Program
      • AddnAide
      • PASSPORT
      • Assisted Living Waiver
      • MyCare Ohio
      • Specialized Recovery Services Program
      • home52 Transportation
    • Transitional Care
      • FastTrack Home
    • Senior Utility and Home Repair Assistance Programs
    • Aging and Disability Resource Center
    • Caregiver Support Program
      • Working Caregivers
    • Health & Wellness Programs
      • Health & Wellness Workshops
      • Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program
    • Nursing Home Pre-Admission Review
    • Other Services
  • Find Resources
    • Search for Resources
    • Ohio Homestead Exemption
    • COA Is a Benefits Enrollment Center
    • Opioid misuse and mental health concerns in older adults
    • Document Library
      • Annual Reports
  • Service Providers
    • Working with Council on Aging
      • Requests for Proposals (RFPs)
      • Be a paid caregiver through Participant Directed Care
    • Overview
    • PASSPORT & Assisted Living
      • Prospective Provider Information
      • Current PASSPORT Provider Information
    • Elderly Services Program
      • Current ESP Provider Information
    • Title III, Senior Community Services & Alzheimer State Funds
      • Information for Current Title III Providers
    • Service Provider Trainings
    • Clinton County Senior Services Grant
    • Billing
  • About
    • Overview
    • Working at Council on Aging
      • Open Positions
      • Why Work at COA?
      • Emerging Professionals Program
    • Senior Leadership Team
      • Board & Advisory Councils
    • Advocacy
    • Funding
      • Tax Levies
    • How to Help
      • Donate
  • News & Events
    • Overview
    • News
    • Newsletters
      • Join our Mailing List
    • Events
      • 2025 Forum on Aging presented by Global Meals
      • 2025 Forum on Aging Sponsorship Opportunities
      • 2025 Forum on Aging Workshops
    • Public Meetings
  • Contact
    • Overview
    • Make a Referral
    • Contact Form
    • Service Excellence Awards
    • Communication & Media
    • Community Outreach
    • Title VI
Home > News > Extreme heat IS extreme weather – older adults at risk for heat-related illness and complications

Extreme heat IS extreme weather – older adults at risk for heat-related illness and complications

July 18, 2019

From the Ohio Department of Aging

Avoid heat-related illnessForecasters are predicting high temperatures in the 90s and triple-digit heat indexes around the state over the next several days. The Ohio Department of Aging and the Ohio Department of Health remind residents that extreme heat should be treated with the same care and preparation as a summer storm.

“Our bodies are usually very good at controlling their temperature, but extremely hot conditions over an extended period of time can stress even the most efficient system,” said Dr. Amy Acton, director of the Ohio Department of Health. “Factors that can interfere with a body’s ability to adapt to hot weather include age, obesity, dehydration, heart disease, and medications.”

“As we age, we sometimes find that our bodies can’t handle extreme conditions as well as when we were younger,” added Ursel McElroy, director of the Ohio Department of Aging. “Know your limitations and balance activity with measures to help your body stay cool. Check on older loved ones and neighbors regularly, since they are at increased risk for heat-related illness and complications.”

To stay cool during extremely hot days, the departments recommend:

  • Drink plenty of cool, non-alcoholic beverages (avoid extremely cold liquids and beverages with high levels of sugar or caffeine);
  • Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing and rest frequently;
  • Plan outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening;
  • Take cool baths or showers; and
  • Seek an air-conditioned environment, such as a store, restaurant, public library, or a family member’s or neighbor’s home, if the indoor temperature in your home is higher than is comfortable.

The departments also urge Ohioans to learn the warning signs of heat-related illnesses and know what to do if you or an older loved one shows symptoms.

  • Heat cramps are muscle pains and spasms, mostly in the legs, caused by dehydration and exertion. Though not life-threatening, heat cramps can be very painful. To prevent and treat heat cramps, drink plenty of cool, non-alcoholic liquids, rest, and stay in a cool environment.
  • Heat exhaustion is caused by heavy sweating and results in not enough fluids to support your vital organs. Symptoms include cool, moist, pale, flushed, or red skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and lack of energy. Heat exhaustion is a serious and potentially life-threatening illness, so seek medical attention and take steps to reduce the body temperature and increase hydration. These include moving to a cooler environment; drinking cool, non-alcoholic liquids; loosening or removing clothing; and cooling the body with wet towels or a cool shower or bath.
  • Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition in which the individual’s body is no longer able to control its own internal temperature. Signs of heat stroke include hot, red, and dry skin; rapid, weak pulse; rapid, short breathing; and high fever. Heat stroke can also cause disorientation or strange behavior, which may be more difficult to identify in an individual with dementia. Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you suspect you or a loved one is experiencing heat stroke.

During extreme summer weather, including very hot days, check on older loved ones and neighbors to ensure they are safe and healthy and have the resources to stay that way.

  • Is the temperature in their home comfortable? Do they have safe means to keep it that way if it stays hot outside?
  • Do they need medical attention? Do they appear alert and aware? Have they fallen? Are they staying cool enough? Are they taking their medications as prescribed?
  • Do they have safe food and water? Are they eating and drinking regularly?
  • Do they have someone to call if they need help?

Your area agency on aging can help older adults locate and access assistance to stay cool during extreme heat. Resources include cooling centers; access to water; assistance with utilities; and more. Call 1-866-4-243-5678 to be connected to the agency serving your community.

Ohioans who live in nursing homes can also be at increased risk from extreme heat. The Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman at the Department of Aging advises family members and concerned friends to call loved ones’ nursing homes to check conditions there and ask how the facility is staffed. Call 1-800-282-1206 for assistance.

Visit www.aging.ohio.gov/safeathome for additional tips and resources to prepare for severe weather and other emergencies.

Click here for more summer safety tips from Council on Aging. 

Click here for a listing of cooling centers in southwest Ohio

Primary Sidebar

MOST RECENT

Council on Aging Board Member Profile: Jane Ripberger

Take a hike this summer with Buckeye Trail Anywhere - even from your couch!

Craig joins Council on Aging as Chief Information Security Officer

Dr. Karen Jones Bankston named chair of Council on Aging’s board of trustees

Educating and Inspiring Area Professionals at the 2025 Forum on Aging

Archives

  • Council on Aging and home52 Terms of Use
  • Links Policy
  • HIPAA
  • Site Map
  • Home52
(513) 721-1025

Copyright © 2025 · Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio. 4601 Malsbary Road | Blue Ash, OH 45242 | Log in

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

  • Council on Aging and home52 Terms of Use
  • Links Policy
  • HIPAA
  • Site Map
  • Home52
This website uses cookies and other tracking technologies to assist with navigation, monitor site usage and web traffic, assist with our promotional and marketing efforts, and customize and improve our services and website. For more information about cookies and how we use them please see our Privacy Policy. Accept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
Thanks for visiting, but before you go...

Sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date on what’s happening at COA and in the fields of aging and disability services:

Sign Up