Summer Safety Tips for Seniors
After experiencing cooler weather in the winter, many seniors are excited to spend time outdoors in the warm summer months. For families, summer is often the time for vacation and relaxation. So if you are traveling or enjoying the warmth and soaking up the sun locally, keep in mind that your aging loved one may need extra care at this time. The heat can be significantly more dangerous for aging seniors than for others. Make sure that your loved one follows the important tips below and has someone looking after him or her, so they can safely enjoy the summer.
Hydrate.
Since seniors have a higher risk than other age groups of becoming dehydrated, make sure your loved one drinks plenty of non-alcoholic and caffeine free fluids throughout the day. They might not be aware that they are thirsty, so frequent encouragement is important. In addition, drinks that replace salt and potassium are especially helpful for seniors to consume in the hot weather. Be sure that your loved always carries drinks and snacks when she goes out.
Stay Cool.
Seniors are more susceptible to the problems associated with heat including heat stroke and heat exhaustion. In addition, seniors who suffer from other chronic conditions may have exacerbated symptoms when in higher heat conditions. In order to keep cool, encourage your loved one to spend more time indoors. He or she may enjoy visiting shopping malls, libraries, museums, or going to a movie theatre. If your loved one doesn’t have air conditioning and the indoor temperature has become too warm, make sure to make alternative arrangements for accommodations. Extreme heat can be life threatening for the elderly.
Keep an Emergency List.
Help your loved one prepare an easy-to-read list of emergency phone numbers and keep it in an easy place to find. If he or she becomes ill and doesn’t have anyone nearby to help, he or she can contact someone on the list.
Know When to Get Help.
If your loved has been exposed to unusually warm conditions and is experiencing any of the following symptoms, take them into a cool, air conditioned location and get medical help right away.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache, muscle cramps
- Heavy breathing or rapid pulse
- Lack of sweating when they should
- Temperature over 104
- Fainting
- Dry, flushed skin
- Abnormal confusion or agitation
- Lethargy or exhaustion
You can help prevent your loved one from having the maladies associated with excessive heat by creating a plan to check on him or her when there is a heat wave in the area where they live. Remember that your loved one may not realize he or she is becoming dehydrated. In these times, it’s important for someone to check in or stay with your loved one.
If you are concerned about your loved one’s wellbeing and are not able to physically be there or check on him or her, you may want to consider a home health care provider. A professional caregiver can ensure that you or your loved one is hydrated and is living in cool, comfortable conditions. A caregiver can also check vitals, monitor health, and assist errands such as refilling prescriptions.
If you have questions about an aging family member, contact us at 561-736-1422, toll-free: 855-730-9895, or visit www.expicare.com.
Expicare Nursing, Inc.
Owned and managed by highly qualified Registered Nurses, Expicare is a recognized leader of home health care in South Florida. For over three decades, Expicare has provided unparalleled home health care to thousands of patients throughout Palm Beach County. From post-surgery assistance to compassionate care for patients and families struggling with Alzheimer’s, Expicare provides highly skilled nurses and nursing assistants to care for your parents or loved ones. For more information, contact 561-736-1422, toll-free: 855-730-9895, or visit www.expicare.com.
