Summer can be an exciting time for many people, but the warmer months can also lead to sunburn, dehydration, and extreme fatigue. You need to find ways to make outdoor adventures fun and safe for your elderly loved one, despite the weather. Here some tips to help your loved one stay safe in the summer.
Encourage Your Loved One to Stay in Shaded Areas
Just because the sun is shining brightly doesn’t mean your loved one has to avoid going outdoors. With some planning and precaution, your loved one can enjoy many of the outdoor activities he or she has always participated in. For example, your loved one can still go to music festivals and outdoor concerts in the summer as long as he or she finds shaded areas to sit under. In case you can’t find a shelter, pavilion, or shaded area for your loved one, make sure to carry an umbrella that is large enough to cover a chair. Staying in the shade will keep your loved one cool and protect his or her skin from the sun rays.
Older adults who need help attending outdoor events should consider professional in-home care. Jefferson County senior care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
Apply Sunscreen
Older adults should wear sunscreen throughout the summer season to protect their skin. When choosing sunscreen products, make sure the ingredients are safe for your loved one. Ask the doctor for a list of acceptable sunscreen products such as gels, lotions, creams, and sprays. The sunscreen should protect against UVA and UVB rays. Reapply it every two hours your loved one spends in the sun. Seniors need to wear sunscreen every time they go out in the sun, even if they’re outside for only a few minutes. Sunscreen should be applied at least 30 minutes prior to going outdoors, regardless if the weather is sunny, cool, or cloudy.
Manage Allergies
Allergies can turn a fun outing into a day of itching, runny nose, watery eyes, and other issues that can make seniors feel miserable. Pollen is one of the worst allergies during the summer months. However, there are medications and sprays seniors can use to manage their allergies. Your loved one could also stay indoors during the hotter days and participate in outdoor activities on cooler and less humid days. The pollen count normally reduces during rainfall, so try to plan outdoor activities after a cleansing rain.
From going outdoors to managing daily indoor tasks, older adults may need help with several activities. Whether your elderly loved one needs part-time assistance with basic household chores or you need a break from your caregiving duties, the Jefferson County respite care experts at Home Care Assistance are here to help. All of our respite care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
Make Sure to Cover Up
Although the temperatures are warm, your loved one should wear pants and long-sleeve shirts while going out in the sun. Instead of wearing dark, synthetic fabrics, purchase light-colored, natural fabrics that protect your loved one’s skin and keep his or her body cool. Covering up can lower the risk of developing skin cancer and other health conditions. The areas of the body that are most vulnerable to cancer are the head and neck, which makes it important for seniors to wear wide-brimmed hats when going outdoors in the summer. If your loved one does not want to wear a hat, cover his or her ears and neck with additional sunscreen.
Taking precautionary measures is just one of the many ways older adults can maintain their health and wellbeing. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care. Jefferson County, CO, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life. To learn about our premier in-home care plans, give us a call at (303) 987-5992 today.