Hyperthermia and Heatstroke: Caring for Older Adults in Summer

With older adults over 65 being one of the high-risk groups for hyperthermia (along with babies and young children, pregnant women and those with certain conditions) (Better Health Channel 2015a), knowing how to appropriately care for your older clients during the warmer months is crucial.

What is Hyperthermia?

Hyperthermia is an umbrella term comprising several heat-related illnesses that are caused by disruption to homeostasis. Hyperthermia occurs when the body is unable to dissipate as much heat as it is absorbing or producing, leading to a thermoregulation failure (NIA 2016; QAS 2017).