Elderly | CareNex

Take a breath. You're here.

That's the first right thing.

What's happening?

Get help now

🚨

Call 911

Life-threatening emergency

☎️

Poison Control

1-800-222-1222 (24/7, free)

Stroke — Act FAST

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Call 911 IMMEDIATELY. Every minute matters. Note the time symptoms started.

F

Face drooping

Ask them to smile. Does one side droop?

A

Arm weakness

Ask them to raise both arms. Does one drift down?

S

Speech difficulty

Ask them to repeat a simple phrase. Is speech slurred or strange?

T

Time to call 911

If ANY of these signs, call 911 immediately. Note time symptoms started.

✓ Do

Note time symptoms started
Keep them comfortable
Loosen tight clothing

✕ Don't

Don't give food or water (swallowing may be impaired)
Don't give aspirin (may be wrong type of stroke)
Don't let them "sleep it off"

Chest pain / heart attack

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Call 911 immediately. Don't drive yourself. Chew aspirin if no allergy and not already on blood thinners.

1

Call 911

Say "possible heart attack." Stay on line.

2

Chew aspirin (if no allergy)

Regular aspirin (325mg) OR 4 baby aspirin. Chew, don't swallow whole.

3

Sit or lie in comfortable position

Knees bent, head slightly raised. Loosen tight clothing.

4

If prescribed nitroglycerin, use it

Under tongue. Can repeat every 5 min, up to 3 doses.

Heart attack signs (may differ in women/elderly):

Chest pressure/pain, arm/jaw/back pain, shortness of breath, nausea, cold sweat, unusual fatigue. Women may have subtler symptoms.

Fall

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Call 911 if: Head injury, can't move, severe pain, hip pain, confusion, on blood thinners

Can they get up safely?

Injured from fall

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Call 911. Don't try to move them — could make injuries worse.

1

Keep them still and calm

Don't try to move them. Cover with blanket for warmth.

2

Check for obvious injuries

Bleeding, deformity, where is the pain?

3

Apply pressure to any bleeding

Clean cloth, firm pressure.

4

Stay with them until help arrives

Keep talking, keep them calm.

On blood thinners?

Any head impact needs medical evaluation, even if they feel fine. Internal bleeding may not show immediate symptoms.

Helping them up safely

1

Don't rush

Let them rest a moment. Check for injuries first.

2

Roll to side, then push up to hands and knees

Take it step by step.

3

Crawl to sturdy furniture

Chair or couch they can use to pull up.

4

Push up to standing, rest before walking

Make sure they're steady before moving.

After any fall:

Watch for delayed symptoms over 24-48 hours. Call doctor if: increasing pain, headache, dizziness, confusion.

Medication problem

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Call 911 if: Difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe confusion, unconscious, or allergic reaction

☎️

Call Poison Control

1-800-222-1222 (24/7, free)

1

Have medication bottles ready

Poison Control will ask: what medication, dose, when taken.

2

For missed dose: usually take ASAP

Unless close to next dose. Check with pharmacist for specific med.

3

For double dose: call Poison Control

They'll tell you if it's dangerous and what to watch for.

Dangerous interactions:

Blood thinners + NSAIDs, multiple sedatives, grapefruit + many meds. Always check with pharmacist when adding new medications.

Heat or cold emergency

What's happening?

Heat stroke

🚨

Call 911 immediately. This is life-threatening. Cool them rapidly.

1

Move to cool area

Air conditioning, shade, anywhere cooler.

2

Cool rapidly

Ice packs to neck, armpits, groin. Spray with water and fan.

3

Do NOT give fluids if confused

Choking risk. Only if fully alert.

Elderly are high risk:

Many medications affect heat regulation. Air conditioning isn't optional — it's medical equipment in summer.

Heat exhaustion

1

Move to cool area

Rest in air conditioning or shade.

2

Loosen clothing

Remove excess layers.

3

Sip cool water

Small amounts. Electrolyte drinks if available.

4

Cool skin with water

Wet towels, spray bottle, cool (not cold) shower.

⚠️

If symptoms worsen or person becomes confused → This is now heat stroke. Call 911.

Hypothermia

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Call 911 if: Severe shivering (or stopped shivering), confusion, slurred speech, drowsy

1

Move to warm area

Gently — sudden movements can trigger heart problems.

2

Remove wet clothing

Replace with dry, warm layers. Cover head.

3

Warm center of body first

Chest, neck, head, groin. Use blankets, warm (not hot) packs.

4

Give warm drinks if fully conscious

No alcohol. Warm water, broth, or tea.