Summer Safety Tips for Seniors
As the temperatures hit record-breaking highs this summer, it’s crucial to keep our senior loved ones safe during the hottest months of the year. Extended exposure to the summer weather puts people of all ages at risk, but especially the elderly, of suffering serious heat-related conditions such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. To make sure your loved one doesn’t risk their health to enjoy the summer, here are a few summer safety tips seniors should follow:
Drink Enough Water
While there are a few ways to stay hydrated during the summer months, the easiest way is to drink plenty of water, even when you aren’t thirsty. Getting enough water throughout the day can be harder for seniors due to factors like age-related memory loss, so in many cases, the elderly are especially susceptible to dehydration.
It is generally recommended that seniors drink about one-third to one-half of their body weight in ounces. One tip to ensure your senior is drinking enough water is to schedule drinking times throughout the day. A good way to do this is to carry a refillable water bottle with your senior at all times and set reminders on a smartphone or digital watch.
Dress to Protect
The hottest months of the year can pose certain dangers and health risks to senior adults who aren’t prepared. Wearing protective sunscreen is the most important thing your senior can do to protect their skin during the summer. The FDA recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher on the face and any skin that will be exposed to the sun—even on cloudy days.
Another way to dress to protect is to wear protective clothing. Wide-brimmed hats offer the eyes, ears, face, and neck protection from the sun. Paired with protective sunglasses designed to block 100% UV rays plus tightly woven, loose-fitting clothes, senior adults will remain comfortable while fully guarded with a high level of protection in the summer heat.
Avoid Peak Hours In The Sun
In some cases, it’s best to simply stay out of the sun. Especially during the hottest times of the day, typically between 10 am and 4 pm, seniors should avoid outdoor activities and exercise. Instead, consider indoor activities where your loved one can enjoy the comforts of the air conditioner. Community centers, shopping malls, and libraries can serve as places to stay cool and socialize. The Linwood Robinson Senior Center, the only senior citizen center operated and staffed by the City of Richmond, offers seniors leisure activities and diverse programs, including arts and crafts, bingo, popular table games, creative fitness, and much more.
Ask a Professional Caregiver
Staying cool and healthy during the hot months is essential for seniors. When it comes to ensuring your loved one’s safety during the summer, Visiting Angels Serving Greater Richmond, Virginia, can help. Our compassionate caregivers are vital in ensuring your senior can enjoy the summer months safely and securely.
At Visiting Angels, we provide a diverse range of in-home elderly care at a cost you can afford. Our personalized approach, provided by our professional and dependable caregivers, allows your senior loved one to live through the hot months of summer as safe and healthy as possible from the comforts of their own home. We provide care to seniors in the Midlothian, Richmond, Henrico, and throughout the Southside neighborhoods of Brandermill and Bon Air. To learn more about our services and how we can help you, contact us online or call us today at 804-423-6500.
If you are interested in caring for seniors in your area, consider joining our team of compassionate caregivers at Visiting Angels Serving Greater Richmond. Contact us for more information.