Follow
Share

I am a caregiver for the state My client is advanced stage ALS With FOSMN it's so hot in her house as soon as I start working I'm am literally drenched in sweat .I just adore her and I need some ideas of how I can deal with it. I live in the snow area so it's quite cold and I go outside in my tank top and sandals to cool off and I have a spray bottle with water that I keep chilled in the fridge in the cold snow but as soon as I return to the house I am immediately sweating again .I worry about becoming ill and I cannot as her immune system is extremely compromised

Find Care & Housing
If you are a caregiver for the state, check on what rights you have to address the situation. Sometimes, it's as simple as pointing it out to whomever is in charge of the thermostat there. Talk it out.
I used to deal with this daily with my mom, she always wanted it too warm for Dad. After some time (several months), I did finally help her understand it effected dad and his health conditions. So she became okay with using a blanket regularly, and we were able to adjust the heat down so dad was more comfortable.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to Bgreen7777
Report

Judijettson: Perhaps there is a room that can be closed off for you to be able to utilize it in order to cool down throughout your shift.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to Llamalover47
Report

Be careful to keep hydrated and use one of the techniques mentioned by others to cool off.
My husband's aid was doing a shift at another patient's home before coming to ours. She was nauseous, lightheaded and had said she had to leave. When we asked if she was sick, she said the temperature in the other home was so high it made her physically sick. It turned out to be heat exhaustion.
Helpful Answer (6)
Reply to JanPeck123
Report

Is the person aware it is so warm. My mother with dementia will say she cold and I will fake turn up the heat and she is satisfied. Perhaps try turning down the heat a degree at a time to test the "waters".

If that isn't possible, there are neck wraps that you can put into the freezer (not wet) and it will remain cool for a couple of hours while you wear. They look like a designer scarf, bandana and gaitor.
Helpful Answer (3)
Reply to AMZebbC
Report

I am so sorry, but if she needs the heat there's little you can do but cool down when you are able. While stress may make you more vulnerable to germs do know that it is germs that make you ill, not heat and cold and even heat and cold intermittently. Keep cool ice water available if able and get hands and feet into it when you can, just cooling the blood a bit. If she is willing, have her wear a snuggy warm knit hat. Preventing the heat escaping off top of her head will help her keep warm with heat low.

I live with a partner always cold who NEEDS heat and I NEED cool. It is very difficult. If there is a room you can get closed off so it remains cool and you can get into it often as you are able for a few minutes it may help a bit. A washclothe in ice water to wring and put at the back of your neck. Even an ice bag at the neck.

No magic wands for this one, and I am so sorry.
Helpful Answer (4)
Reply to AlvaDeer
Report

Have you asked your client about lowering the temperature while you are there? I'm not talking about a drastic change, just a few compromise degrees.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to cwillie
Report

Maybe you can close the door to 1 room in her house and open a window so that it's a cool "refuge" without going outside.

In the end, you are the only one that can change so you'll need to make a decision. I get it -- my MIL always had the house above 80ºF, in MN. I dreaded going there.
Helpful Answer (3)
Reply to Geaton777
Report

Is this how your client wants the temperature in her house?
If so there is not much you can do. You have a couple options.
Get a personal fan, they are worn around the neck.
Get one of the neck wraps that has a heat wicking property.
If you are employed by an agency tell your supervisor that you can no longer work for this client and can another be assigned to you.
Helpful Answer (3)
Reply to Grandma1954
Report

Open a window or 2 .
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to KNance72
Report

Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter