The Silver Thread Society Warns of the Summer Heat and Care for the Elderly

A growing concern over extreme heat conditions has prompted warnings from the Silver Thread Association, which advocates for the dignity of aging. The organization highlighted ongoing issues with living conditions in elderly care homes and hospital wards during the summer heatwave. According to their statements, some facilities still lack adequate cooling systems, a problem they claim persists despite annual reminders from family members of residents and patients. In response, the association wrote an open letter urging social welfare and healthcare institutions to promptly address these concerns. The National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ) will issue another environmental warning tomorrow, signaling further escalation of the heatwave. The Silver Thread Association specifically called on social welfare organizations that have yet to organize suitable living conditions for residents and staff to act immediately. They also urged hospital management to ensure proper climate control, noting that in some cases, even intensive care units lack functioning air conditioning. Information about these problems comes primarily from patients and their families, who find it incomprehensible and unacceptable that certain departments at the University Clinical Centre Ljubljana still lack appropriate cooling. In some instances, only hallways are cooled, requiring residents to keep doors open, compromising privacy. A shortage of nursing staff further reduces the quality of care for vulnerable patients and residents, including tasks such as hydration, skin care, changing incontinence aids, and regular bathing. Despite staffing shortages, the association emphasized the necessity of maintaining daily fluid intake records, as this is one of the body’s essential functions. The problem extends beyond individual facilities. The Silver Thread Association pointed out that buildings and homes can become overheated due to improper ventilation, opening windows and doors during peak heat hours instead of early morning and late evening. Climate control devices will soon become mandatory equipment in residential units, although some elderly individuals cannot afford them due to financial constraints. They referenced measures taken in other countries, such as opening cooled shopping centers, community halls, and schools, even at night, to provide relief for vulnerable groups. Guidelines from NIJZ on how to manage during hot weather are available online. Regular warnings for vulnerable groups are crucial. The Silver Thread Association urged authorities to regularly inform the elderly and other vulnerable groups during periods of intense heat. Although NIJZ, hospitals, and others issued warnings in June, many have since stopped issuing alerts despite continuing heatwaves. Since many elderly live at home, relatives were advised to ensure proper cooling of spaces, sufficient water intake, light meals, regular medication, and safety. Special attention was given to situations where family members leave elderly individuals alone or take them on trips during holidays, even if their health condition does not allow it. Isolation among the elderly during holidays was also highlighted, emphasizing the importance of visits from visiting nurses, neighborhood assistance, and other forms of social support. This week marks the beginning of a new heatwave, with the Agency for Environment (Arso) intensifying the weather alert for the coming days. Temperatures reached up to 36 degrees Celsius today and are expected to rise further. By the end of the week, a red-level warning will be issued for the southwestern part of the country, where temperatures could reach up to 39 degrees Celsius under weak storms. The Rescue Services Administration will announce the level of natural environment fire danger for the entire country on Thursday, with very high fire risk areas including Koper, Sežana, Divača, Hrpelje-Kozina, Komen, Nova Gorica, Miren-Kostanjevica, and Renče-Vogrsko. More details will be released at a press conference tomorrow. Health experts from NIJZ have prepared guidelines for protecting health during the heatwave. Dr. Nina Pirnat, head of the Center for Health Ecology at NIJZ, warned that exposure to the sun between 10 AM and 5 PM should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. She emphasized the need for sufficient water intake, wearing light and breathable clothing, and moving around green areas near water, as radiation is lower compared to concrete surfaces. Vulnerable groups include infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses or taking medications. For these groups, protective measures are especially critical. Dr. Pirnat highlighted the dangers of covering baby car seats with blankets or diapers, which can create a greenhouse effect, increasing the temperature inside. Instead, she recommended using a canopy for shade. She also advised mothers to breastfeed more frequently during the heatwave and suggested that non-breastfeeding babies should drink both formula and water. Family members were reminded to check on elderly relatives more often, ensuring their living space is well-ventilated, they are drinking enough water, and they have sufficient food supplies. She stressed the importance of solidarity and neighborhood support, particularly in large cities where access to air conditioning or fans might be limited. Temporary relief from the heat can be found in public places such as gyms or shopping malls. She recommended ventilating rooms early in the morning or late in the evening, while drawing curtains during the day to prevent overheating. She also warned against travel plans, advising people to carry at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water per person and to transport food in coolers. She noted the risks associated with sports events held during hot days, suggesting they be scheduled before 10 AM or after 5 PM. Meteorologist Branko Gregorčič stated that Slovenia is facing the longest period of severe heat, with temperatures potentially reaching nearly 40 degrees Celsius. At a press conference, he and other experts will discuss the current weather situation and forecast for the upcoming days, comparing the current heatwave with previous extremes. Agronomist Andreja Sušnik will present information on drought conditions affecting agriculture. Epidemiologist Nina Pirnat will provide health protection recommendations for citizens during the heatwave. The weather conditions are expected to worsen, with clear skies and extremely high temperatures anticipated throughout the weekend and into Monday, accompanied by light winds along the coast.