Summer Health Tips for Seniors
The summer months mean longer days, warmer temperatures, and a wide variety of opportunities to spend quality time with your family. Getting outside and enjoying getting active is a fantastic way to make memories you can cherish well into the future, get some extra exercise, and strengthen your relationships. As a family caregiver, however, it is vital you keep in mind health and safety needs when planning any time being active outside. This can help prevent a variety of potentially serious complications, including heat-related illnesses, insect bites, and more.
Use these tips to help you stay healthy while being active outside this summer:
- Pay close attention to heat and air quality warnings before going outside. Keep tabs on the heat so that you can determine when it is safe and healthy to bring your family outside and what to wear when doing so
- Be vigilant about the weather. Summer weather can change extremely quickly, and you don’t want to be stranded outside. Pay attention to how the weather is progressing, and create a backup plan in the event something might be rescheduled
- Always wear sunscreen. Even if you were going somewhere you perceived as shady, you should still apply sunscreen half an hour before leaving, and reapply it regularly throughout the day. The American Cancer Association recommends wearing sunscreen with a minimum 30 sun protection factor
- Bring along bug repellent. An increased quantity of pests around the area during the summer months can put your aging parent at risk of being bitten or stung. While most of these are mild and do not require further care, some can lead to illness, itching, injuries, and infection
- Stay hydrated. It is extremely important to remember that hydration needs increase with the temperature and humidity. Talk to your aging parents doctor about your upcoming activity, and find out how much fluid is really right for your parents. You want to make sure your parent is drinking enough to stay effectively hydrated and keep their body temperature down, without over hydrating or putting them at risk, particularly if they have certain health conditions that usually require the strict control of water intake
- Avoid being active outside during the hottest time of the day. The hours between 10 in the morning and 2 in the afternoon tend to be the hottest, with the sun at its most intense. Avoid planning activities or being too active outside during these hours.
Having a home care provider with your aging parent during the summer months can be instrumental in keeping them safe and healthy while they enjoy time with you and their family. This type of care provider can attend activities and outings with your family at to ensure your senior has continued access to the types of care and support that are right for them. This creates a consistent care routine, and gives them confidence that if they have a need or challenge while at an activity, those needs will be met effectively, and without having to rely completely on you. As their family caregiver this can give you tremendous peace of mind knowing they are safe and in good hands so you can focus on other elements of the event.
For caregivers in Southern NJÂ and the surrounding areas, call and talk to us at Home to Stay Healthcare Solutions (856) 321-1500.
