For most people, summer weather brings joy and excitement, with the added desire to spend the day outdoors basking in the sun. Unfortunately, for seniors, it can be quite the opposite. Excess exposure to heat can cause discomfort and severe health problems for seniors, which is why it’s important to be extra cautious when caring for an elderly loved one during the summer.
Heat sensitivity often prevents seniors from enjoying the summer, which can be discouraging. Here are some side effects of heat-related illnesses to be cautious of:
Summer Safety Tips for Seniors
As long as your loved one doesn’t spend too much time under the blistering sun, and is cared for properly, they can certainly have an enjoyable and safe summer. Whether you’re responsible for looking after your loved one, or you have employed the services of a trusted caregiver, following these four tips will ensure a smooth and safe summer season:
Keep Them Hydrated
If your loved one spends time outdoors, make sure they drink enough water to avoid dehydration. If your loved one enjoys going for walks, a good tip is to always keep a water bottle handy.
Limit Their Time Outdoors
If summers are particularly hot where your loved one lives, their time spent outdoors should be reasonably short. They may not realize it, but the effects of excessive heat and sun exposure can build up slowly.
Take Advantage of the AC
Keeping cool as much as possible when temperatures are high can keep your loved one from experiencing heat-related illnesses. Keep the AC running, and the AC unit well maintained, to ensure your loved one remains comfortable on hot days. It’s well worth the extra dollars that accumulate on the utility bill.
Familiarize Yourself With Heat-Related Illnesses
The best way to keep health issues from escalating is being able to detect early warning signs. By understanding the symptoms of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, you may be able to suspect when your loved one is in distress.
Life can pull you in a million directions, even when you think you’ve got it all under control. Caring for a loved one can be just as challenging as it is rewarding. A caregiver from BrightStar Care can help lift some of the weight, ensuring your loved one receives the best care possible, in the summer or any season, all year long. Contact us to learn more about our services.
Heat sensitivity often prevents seniors from enjoying the summer, which can be discouraging. Here are some side effects of heat-related illnesses to be cautious of:
Summer Safety Tips for Seniors
As long as your loved one doesn’t spend too much time under the blistering sun, and is cared for properly, they can certainly have an enjoyable and safe summer. Whether you’re responsible for looking after your loved one, or you have employed the services of a trusted caregiver, following these four tips will ensure a smooth and safe summer season:
Keep Them Hydrated
If your loved one spends time outdoors, make sure they drink enough water to avoid dehydration. If your loved one enjoys going for walks, a good tip is to always keep a water bottle handy.
Limit Their Time Outdoors
If summers are particularly hot where your loved one lives, their time spent outdoors should be reasonably short. They may not realize it, but the effects of excessive heat and sun exposure can build up slowly.
Take Advantage of the AC
Keeping cool as much as possible when temperatures are high can keep your loved one from experiencing heat-related illnesses. Keep the AC running, and the AC unit well maintained, to ensure your loved one remains comfortable on hot days. It’s well worth the extra dollars that accumulate on the utility bill.
Familiarize Yourself With Heat-Related Illnesses
The best way to keep health issues from escalating is being able to detect early warning signs. By understanding the symptoms of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, you may be able to suspect when your loved one is in distress.
Life can pull you in a million directions, even when you think you’ve got it all under control. Caring for a loved one can be just as challenging as it is rewarding. A caregiver from BrightStar Care can help lift some of the weight, ensuring your loved one receives the best care possible, in the summer or any season, all year long. Contact us to learn more about our services.