Summer Safety Tips for Seniors in Naples, FL and Surrounding Areas
As summer approaches, temperatures in Collier County are rising. Check on your elderly relatives while everyone else is out and about in Naples, Marco Island and other Florida cities enjoying the beautiful weather. Seniors may enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities throughout the summer, but it is vital that they maintain a comfortable body temperature. Due to age-related decline in thermoregulation, the elderly are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of heat. There is a greater risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration and heat stroke for adults over the age of 65.
Avoid overheating this summer by making sure you and your senior relatives are adequately covered. It's easiest to avoid the warmest portion of the day by planning your day around it. Summer safety tips from Visiting Angels Naples will help keep your loved one cool and comfortable this season.
Stay Inside During Peak Hours
If you're concerned about your loved one overheating, it's best to keep them indoors between the hours of 10am and 4pm, when the sun is at its most intense and hottest. You should plan to leave early in the morning or later in the evening if you want to avoid the hottest times of the day. Make sure you and your elderly loved one rest often and drink lots of water if you must go out during peak hours.
Keep Hydrated
Take a bottle of water for you and your loved one with you whenever you leave the house. Your loved one may not show signs of being dehydrated until it starts to hurt their health or change how they act. Your loved one's well-being depends on making sure they drink enough of water or non-alcoholic drinks throughout the course of the day. Cucumbers or fresh fruit slices can be used to add flavor to water.
Keep Cool
Make sure to turn on the air conditioning if you're visiting an elderly family member. Your loved one should get their heating and air conditioning systems checked up in the spring to ensure that everything is running well by the time the weather starts to warm up. It's also nice to have a ceiling fan or a small portable fan on hand for days when it's warm outside but not suffocating.
Dress for the Weather
Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses are all must-haves as temperatures rise during the summer. Light, breathable clothing will help keep your elderly loved one comfortable and secure. Every two to three hours is the optimal interval for reapplying sunscreen.
Check In Regularly
As the temperature rises, remember to check on any elderly relatives or acquaintances who live alone. Don't be afraid to ask a trustworthy family member or close friend to keep an eye on your loved one, even if you don't live close by. The temperature in their residence should be at a comfortable level, they should have enough food and water to keep up their strength and stay hydrated and they should be behaving normally.
How Can In-Home Care from Visiting Angels Naples Help My Loved One During the Summer?
If you're concerned about the health and safety of a loved one, consider hiring a caregiver from Visiting Angels Naples this summer. Having someone watch after your senior loved one and keeping you informed of any changes in their health or well-being during the week allows you to sleep better at night.
One of our caregivers may assist your loved one with doing errands or going for a stroll outdoors while also reminding them to drink enough water, adjust the temperature in their house and wear proper clothing in accordance with the season. An extra bonus is having a companion and someone to assist with chores.
Elderly people may have a tough time staying cool and comfortable as the temperature rises in the summer. In addition to providing companionship, a caregiver from Visiting Angels Naples can visit their home or accompany them on errands and other everyday duties. You can't put a price on having confidence that your loved one is getting the care they need to age in place safely.