JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – The National Weather Service has reported several heat advisories this year, prompting facilities across the Jackson metro to urge families to take extra protective measures for older adults.

Senior Helpers of Central Mississippi promotes ways to keep seniors protected during high temperatures.

Leslie Leonard, owner of the center, said heat-related illnesses are spiking.

“According to CDC data, 4 in 10 seniors will have a heat-related illness and sometimes a heat-related death, so it’s the leading cause of weather-related illnesses in the United States,” Leonard said.

To reduce those numbers, Senior Helpers trains caregivers to recognize the warning signs of heat exhaustion.

The center told 3 On Your Side, it is best for older adults to drink plenty of water and electrolytes.

Leonard said caregivers should pay close attention to seniors’ behavior and physical condition in hot weather.

“Some of us look at seniors and say, ‘Oh, they’re just having an off day, they’re a little confused today,’ but we should understand what the environment is. We should check their pulse — if it’s a light, fast-beating pulse, that’s a warning sign,” Leonard said.

The Rose Garden in Ridgeland is another facility working to help seniors manage the heat.

Nurses there said seniors are more prone to dehydration.

“A lot of older adults, their thirst mechanisms slow down, so they don’t realize that they’re thirsty when they are, so they have an easier opportunity to get dehydrated,” said Tyla Barron, a nurse at The Rose Garden.

Health care providers said wearing lightweight clothing and eating fruits can also help seniors stay cool. Caregivers said taking a few extra steps can help prevent heat-related illness.

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