With summer here, you may be wondering what you can do to help keep your elderly loved ones safe during the heat. Summer is a great time for your loved one to relax and spend time outdoors but be sure to follow these seven tips to help keep them safe from the sun and heat.
1. Stay Aware of the Weather
If you’re worried about your loved one during the summer, one thing you can do is to make sure that they stay aware of the weather. With summer can come extreme heat and weather. If your loved one enjoys going outside, make sure they check the weather so that they don’t get caught in a storm or extreme heat. Also, be sure their home has working fans or air conditioning because it’s not safe for them to be living in a hot home.
2. Protect Their Skin and Eyes When Outside
If your loved one does enjoy going outside during the summer, make sure they have sunglasses and sunscreen available in their home. Sunglasses will help protect their eyes from UV rays, which can cause damage to their vision. It’s also important that they protect their skin when they go outside on a sunny day. This can be done by wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. They can also wear hats to protect their face from the sun.
3. Stay Hydrated
Making sure your loved one stays properly hydrated is extremely important during the summer, especially since seniors are more likely to become dehydrated. Some medications they may be prescribed can also increase their risk of dehydration. Make sure your loved one knows they should be drinking at least eight glasses of water a day to stay hydrated. They should also avoid drinks like alcohol, soda, and coffee because these can quickly dehydrate them. If you’re planning a day outside, be sure to pack extra water for your loved one in case they become thirsty while outdoors.
4. Know the Signs of Heatstroke
Knowing the signs of heatstroke can also help protect your loved one during the summer. When the body reaches abnormally high temperatures, this is called hyperthermia, which can sometimes be fatal. Knowing the symptoms and signs of this, also known as heatstroke, can help keep your elderly loved one safe during the summer. Signs include fainting, not sweating, heavy breathing, rapid pulse, headaches, nausea, dry skin, and a body temperature higher than 104°F.
5. Stay in Air Conditioning During Extreme Heat
Extreme heat is likely to occur during the summer. When it happens, make sure your loved one stays indoors in the air conditioning. High heat and humidity can cause evaporation to slow, which means the body has to work harder to stay at a normal temperature. Staying indoors can help prevent this during extreme heat. If your loved one wants to get out and do something, try taking them to an indoor activity where they will stay cool, like a movie theater, visiting a friend, or walking around the mall.
6. Dress Appropriately
Make sure your loved one’s wardrobe is equipped with appropriate summer clothing. This means their clothes should be made from natural fibers, which help people stay cooler compared to synthetic fibers. Loose-fitting and light clothing are also great options for the summer to help keep your loved one cool. If you know they will be spending time outdoors, consider investing in clothing that has built-in sun protection to help keep them safe.
7. Stay Connected with Family and Friends
If you know your loved one is going to spend some time outdoors in their yard, be sure to stay connected with them. If they plan on gardening, swing by their home that day to check in on them in the case of an emergency. If they plan on going for a walk alone or are doing another type of outdoor activity, call them to check in on them. Regularly staying in touch with seniors when they are outside in the heat can help make sure that they stay safe during the summer.