How Can Older Adults Stay Safe During Summer?

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How Can Seniors Stay Safe in the Summertime? in Oshkosh, WI

The summertime should be relaxing for families, and you may be eager to spend more time outside with your senior loved one. However, the rising temperatures and increased outdoor activity during the summer can pose some serious risks to vulnerable seniors. Make sure to use the following tips to keep your loved one safe throughout the next few months. 

Focus on Hydration 

Many instances of overheating happen when a senior becomes dehydrated. Seniors should aim to drink at least eight eight-ounce glasses of water a day, but your loved one might need more if he or she is physically active or spends long hours outside. To keep things interesting, try making fruit-infused water or giving your loved one homemade fruit juice pops. Your loved one should also avoid beverages that have a dehydrating effect, such as alcohol or coffee, during the summer months. 

Seniors may need help staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy lifestyle during the summer and all year long. In Oshkosh, home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.

Protect the Skin 

Seniors should always use plenty of sunscreen to ward off sunburns. However, it’s easy to forget that a senior’s skin is vulnerable to other issues caused by the summer heat. For instance, a senior with incontinence should be changed out of soiled clothing as fast as possible to prevent skin rashes and sores. Always bring a change of clothing with you when you plan to spend the day out with your loved one, and encourage him or her to bring a companion on public outings to help him or her when you cannot be there. 

For families living in Oshkosh, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.

Be Aware of Medication Side Effects 

A senior who has started a new medication since last summer may need to be extra cautious about the time spent outside. Certain medications affect the body’s ability to regulate its temperature. Always read up on any new prescriptions your loved one takes so you can take preventative action against negative side effects. For example, a senior who takes diuretics may need to increase his or her water intake when exposed to heat. 

Maintain Regular Social Contact 

Your family should always be aware of how your loved one is doing during the summertime. Create a list of people your loved one can contact throughout the summer months to check in. You can also ask the neighbors to keep an eye on your loved one and let them know to call you if something doesn’t seem right. Additionally, you or a professional caregiver should call or visit your loved one each day to make sure he or she is staying cool. 

Avoid Long Walks Outside 

Although regular exercise is good for seniors, your loved one should avoid prolonged physical activity during the heat of the day. You should find alternatives to your loved one’s favorite activities. Professional transportation services provide air-conditioned cars that can take your loved one where he or she need to go.

A professional in-home caregiver can help your senior loved one stay safe during the summer. Families looking for top-rated Oshkosh elderly care providers can reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones. Call one of our friendly Care Managers at (920) 573-6295 to set up a free, no-obligation in-home consultation today.

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