Main Street Nashville
NASHVILLE WEATHER

Nashville home care company advising caution with high temperatures approaching





Owner and director of Nashville’s Griswold Home Care, Beth Walrich says people need to become more aware of the potential dangers high temperatures can bring, especially to elders.Courtesy / Griswold Home Care

Owner and director of Nashville’s Griswold Home Care, Beth Walrich says people need to become more aware of the potential dangers high temperatures can bring, especially to elders.Courtesy / Griswold Home Care

Temperatures in Nashville will soon be increasing as August approaches, and one home care company is urging people to take notice.

With two locations in Middle Tennessee, Griswold Home Care is an in-home care company that provides home services and compassionate care for individuals who are advancing in age and experiencing an onset of illness.

The company itself was founded in 1982, but didn’t reach Middle Tennesse until 2001, courtesy of a franchise purchase by Beth Walrich.

Walrich shared she always possessed a love for the medical field, which factored into her investment in Griswold Home Care.

But there was another reason behind her purchase, and it also served as a driving force and inspiration.

Walrich was born in Kennesaw, Georgia, spending her early years in a family that was both large-numbered and loving.

During this time, her grandmother became ill.

Although she was surrounded by numerous siblings and family members, she explains they continued to struggle in caring for her as the illness progressed.

Introduced in 2001 courtesy of franchisee Beth Walrich, Griswold Home Care has offices located in Franklin and Hendersonville.Courtesy / Griswold Home Care

Introduced in 2001 courtesy of franchisee Beth Walrich, Griswold Home Care has offices located in Franklin and Hendersonville.Courtesy / Griswold Home Care

“There just wasn’t enough people,” she said. “Even with having a huge family, we couldn’t provide the amount of time to care for her because it kept increasing.”

Heartbroken, she shared that her grandmother passed away, but her presence and impact would fuel Walrich’s mission in making sure no one would ever have to go through a similar experience.

Now equipped with more than three decades of medical experience and valuable lessons learned from individuals like her grandma, Walrich shares what precautions her franchise is taking regarding the upcoming high temperatures and hopes people will follow in her footsteps.

In a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, individuals age 65 and older are more prone to health complications due to heat-related problems.

The report states older adults often acquire chronic medical conditions which can negatively change a normal body response to heat.

 

 

Additionally, they’re also more likely to take prescription medicines that can interfere with the body’s ability to control its temperature and sweat.

“As you become older, you lose body mass, which acts as an insulator,” said Walrich. “People are confused when it comes to elderly folks and hot weather. They think older folks enjoy higher temperatures when in reality, it’s doing more harm than good.

“Obviously staying hydrated is a very crucial part. As easy as it sounds, things can take a turn for the worse a lot quicker than people realize.”

She encourages all kinds of hydration, but encourages electrolyte-rich beverages such as Pedialyte or Gatorade.

Removing types of strenuous activities is another tip Walrich mentions, as it can quickly raise blood pressure levels when mixed with a heated environment.

Among the tips listed above, Walrich says bathing in cool water, wearing lighter-colored clothing and avoiding prolonged outdoor activity can all benefit older adults.

“Our bodies are machines, but they can’t just refuel with a charger,” she said.

“We need to make sure it’s getting everything it needs.”

Griswold Home Care has Middle Tennessee offices in Franklin and Hendersonville.

For additional information, you can visit their website at www.griswold homecare.com.

Leave a Reply