When Heat Becomes a Risk: Talking to an Older Adult About Lawn Care

I Want To Mow Your Lawn

Heat & Health Checklist: Medication and Risk Assessment Template

Before You Start

This checklist is designed to help families have an honest, non-accusatory conversation about heat risk during summer months. It works best when completed together—not as an interrogation, but as a planning tool. Print it, sit down together, and work through it at whatever pace feels comfortable.

Part 1: Medications & Heat Sensitivity

Many common medications increase heat vulnerability. Ask the doctor or pharmacist about each medication the older adult takes. Mark any that apply:

• ☐ Blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, diuretics)
• ☐ Antihistamines (allergy medications)
• ☐ Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications
• ☐ Diabetes medications
• ☐ Decongestants
• ☐ Anticholinergics (for bladder control or digestive issues)
• ☐ Stimulants (including caffeine pills or weight-loss supplements)
• ☐ Thyroid medications
• ☐ Other: ________________________________________

Key question to ask the pharmacist: “Do any of these medications reduce thirst sensation, promote dehydration, or reduce my ability to cool down in heat?”

Part 2: Chronic Health Conditions

Certain conditions increase heat vulnerability. Mark any that apply:

• ☐ Heart disease or irregular heartbeat
• ☐ High blood pressure
• ☐ Type 2 diabetes
• ☐ Kidney disease
• ☐ Obesity
• ☐ Lung disease or asthma
• ☐ Stroke history
• ☐ Mental health conditions (depression, anxiety)
• ☐ Other: ________________________________________

Part 3: Recent Heat Experiences

Reflect on the past 2-3 summers. Have any of these happened?

• ☐ Unusual fatigue after yard work or outdoor activity
• ☐ Dizziness, lightheadedness, or confusion
• ☐ Muscle cramps
• ☐ Not sweating as much as expected
• ☐ Heat exhaustion or heat-related illness (ever)
• ☐ Difficulty recovering after a few hours of outdoor work
• ☐ A doctor or nurse expressing concern about heat exposure
• ☐ None of these—heat doesn’t seem to be an issue

Part 4: Current Yard Care Routine

What outdoor tasks does the older adult currently do, and during what months?

• ☐ Mowing lawn — Months: ________
• ☐ Trimming/edging — Months: ________
• ☐ Watering plants — Months: ________
• ☐ Raking — Months: ________
• ☐ Weeding or gardening — Months: ________
• ☐ Other: _______________________________ — Months: ________

Typical hours spent outdoors during peak heat (May–September): ________ hours per week

Time of day yard work usually happens: ☐ Early morning ☐ Midday ☐ Late afternoon ☐ Varies

Part 5: Heat Risk Conversation Notes

After reviewing the above, discuss these questions together:

• “How do you usually feel after being outside in the heat for a couple of hours?”
  Response: _______________________________________________________________
• “Have you ever felt dizzy, confused, or unusually tired during yard work?”
  Response: _______________________________________________________________
• “What parts of yard care are most important to you—the work itself, or the result?”
  Response: _______________________________________________________________
• “Would you be open to getting help with yard work during the hottest months (July–August)?”
  Response: _______________________________________________________________
• “What would make accepting help feel okay to you?”
  Response: _______________________________________________________________

Part 6: Summer Safety Plan

Based on the conversation, agree on the following:

Temperature threshold for yard work: Above ________°F, outdoor yard work is paused.

Safe times for outdoor work:
☐ Before 10 a.m.
☐ After 6 p.m.
☐ Only on days below 85°F
☐ Only with supervision or a phone check-in

Hydration plan:
☐ Keep water bottle within reach at all times
☐ Drink ________oz of water every hour during outdoor work
☐ Check in by phone at ________ (time) on hot days
☐ Set phone reminder to drink water every ________ minutes

Tasks to delegate or get help with during summer (May–September):
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Who will help, and how will they be contacted?
Name: ________________________ Phone: ________________
Name: ________________________ Phone: ________________

Free lawn care resources in your area:
I Want To Mow Your Lawn: iwanttomowyourlawn.com
Local option 1: ________________________________________
Local option 2: ________________________________________

Part 7: Warning Signs to Watch For

If any of these happen during or within 2 hours of outdoor yard work, stop activity immediately and cool down indoors:

• ☐ Dizziness or lightheadedness
• ☐ Confusion or difficulty concentrating
• ☐ Extreme fatigue (beyond normal tiredness)
• ☐ Nausea or vomiting
• ☐ Muscle cramps
• ☐ Chest pain or shortness of breath
• ☐ Skin that feels hot but dry (not sweating)
• ☐ Rapid or irregular heartbeat

If any of these occur: Call 911 or go to the emergency room. Do not wait.

Follow-Up

Revisit this checklist each spring before warm weather arrives. Heat risk can change as medications change or new health conditions develop.

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