Nursing home heat stroke could prove deadly without proper care

New research indicates that those living in a nursing home may be more likely to suffer a fatal heatstroke.  Elderly residents at long-term care facilities are often unable to regulate their own body temperature and are reliant on proper monitoring and care by the facility to reduce their risk of a fatal nursing home heat stroke.

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Two studies in the current issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine review the risk of nursing home heat strokes.  The fist study, performed by French researchers, analyzed data from individuals hospitalized in Europe during a severe heat wave in 2003.  Half of those who died from a heat stroke lived in a nursing home at the time of the heat wave (24 of 48).  Of those who were hospitalized due to the heat but survived, only 20% lived in a nursing home (7 of 35).

The second study published in the same issue analyzed data from six prior studies involving over 1,000 heat-related deaths.  Those researchers found that those who are confined to a bed, not leaving their home daily or unable to care for themselves, are at an increased risk of death from a heat stroke.

HEAT STROKE RISK

A heat stroke is a serious medical condition which can be fatal if not treated promptly and properly.  It is more severe than heat cramps and heat exhaustion, which are also forms of hyperthermia.  In extreme heat or high humidity, a heat stroke can occur if the body is unable to dissipate the heat through the skin or from the evaporation of sweat. 

Elderly are generally susceptible to heat strokes and they often are unable to monitor their own body temperature accurately.  Dehydration among elderly is also a significant risk factor for a heat stroke, since they may fail to drink enough fluids on their own, which prevents the production of enough sweat to reduce body temperature. 

Those in nursing homes are reliant on others to care for them, monitor their fluid intake and check for signs of problems.  Nursing home heat strokes are usually a preventable problem if the staff provides sufficient water and monitors the resident’s body temperature.  Also, the risk of death from a heat stroke is significantly increased if the nursing home fails to promptly recognize that the resident is suffering a heat stroke and obtain immediate treatment.

Proper training of staff and monitoring for signs of problems could significantly reduce the number of a fatal nursing home heat strokes suffered.  Common symptoms of a heat stroke include:

• High body temperature
• Absence of Sweat
• Hot, red or flushed skin
• Rapid pulse rate
• Difficulty breathing
• Hallucinations, confusion and disorientation
• Seizures
• Coma

NURSING HOME HEAT STROKE LAWYERS

The nursing home lawyers at Saiontz and Kirk, P.A.  investigate lawsuits for abuse and neglect suffered at long-term care facilities nationwide.  In many cases, a nursing home heat stroke is preventable if the proper standards of medical care are provided.  If you, a friend or family member suffered a heat stroke in a nursing home, compensation may be available.  Request a free nursing home lawsuit evaluation.