Although summer is a fun season to spend with family and friends, it can be a stressful time for seniors and their families. This is because summer conditions like humidity and higher temperatures can be difficult for seniors to handle. As we age, our bodies don’t regulate heat as well as they did when we were younger and getting overheated can be dangerous. It is important to be aware of the dangers of the summer weather with seniors and what they can do to safely enjoy the summer.

There are many things that seniors can do to stay safe during the summer. Here are a few:

1. Increasing hydration:

It is very important for seniors to be properly hydrated during the summer. This is because there are many things that can cause seniors to become dehydrated. For example, they may be taking pills that cause dehydration such as diuretics, or other types of pills for other conditions including heart or kidney disease which cause the body to lose fluids. It is important for seniors to consume water before they head out into the sun and during their time outside so that dehydration can be prevented.

2. Putting on sunblock and dressing properly for the conditions:

It is important to use a sunscreen that is at least 30 SPF and has protection from UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreen should be put on all areas of their body. Finally, they should make sure to wear lighter, looser clothing to feel more comfortable in the heat and sunglasses to be fully protected from the sun.

3. Staying indoors where there is air conditioning when heat is the highest:

Although being outside can be a great mood booster and a way for seniors to spend time with their loved ones, if it is extremely hot, it is best for seniors to only be outdoors in the morning and in the evening after sunset. The time in between should be spent indoors in air conditioning. If your senior loved one is unable to afford air conditioning, encourage them to spend time in public spaces that have air conditioning or help them find a cooling site during the summer where they can spend time.

4. Be aware of side effects of medications:

If your senior loved one takes medications that make them sensitive to the sun, make sure to discuss this with their doctor and take the necessary precautions to ensure their health and safety during the summer months. Medications that dehydrate the senior increase the risk of getting dehydrated in the hot weather. It is also important to note that storing your senior’s medications at a proper temperature is crucial during the summer. They should also carry an up-to-date list of their medications in their wallet.

5. Preventing falls:

Seniors should be extra careful with outdoor items during the summer such as rugs, slippery decks, and even sandy beaches or any uneven ground. If they are taking any medications with side effects such as dizziness, extra precautions should be taken when they are spending time outdoors to prevent falls. The heat can cause fatigue which leads to risk of falls. While a fall for younger individuals is not something to be worried about, seniors can more easily break bones or have other longer term injuries from falls. Anything you can do inside or outside the home to prevent falls will have a huge impact to mitigate risks. For more information on fall prevention, read our blog on steps you can take to prevent falls.

6. Follow local COVID-19 rules and protocols:

It is important for seniors and their loved ones to spend time together, however taking precautions when it comes to Covid-19 is extremely important. This is because seniors are more likely to get infected and develop severe illness. Therefore, the best way to spend time with your senior loved one is outdoors, and if anyone in your family or friends is ill with Covid-19, they should stay away until they are not contagious.

7. Take breaks when traveling:

If you are taking a trip with your senior loved one, make sure that you take frequent breaks. You want to make sure to avoid any blood clots that can cause other serious illnesses and even death.

8. Watch out for hyperthermia symptoms:

You should always make sure you are watching out for hyperthermia symptoms that your senior loved one may exhibit during hot days and react right away. Some of these symptoms may include extreme sweating, fatigue, dizziness, cramps in legs or arms, nausea etc. An extreme case of hyperthermia is heat stroke. You should make sure that your senior loved one avoids this condition at all costs as it can be dangerous for their health. Some of the symptoms of heatstroke that can be easily spotted are confusion; extreme headache; red, hot, and dry skin; increased body temperature etc. If your loved one experiences these symptoms, you should get them to a cool area and call emergency services right away.

9. Keep a list of important contacts easily accessible:

Make sure that your loved one has easy access to emergency phone numbers in case they need them. It is important to always check in on your loved ones in the hottest months of the year. Heat waves are especially dangerous for seniors, as they are at a higher risk of suffering from dehydration and heat stroke than younger people. Seniors can also experience confusion and dizziness when exposed to high temperatures, which makes it more likely that they will wander away from home if they feel sick. If your elderly loved one needs more care than you can handle, it is time to call a professional caregiver.

Finding Companion Care:

Assisting Hands Home Care can help by providing you with quality home care in Palos Heights, IL, and the surrounding areas of Cook County. Our highly trained caregivers provide senior home care and companion care to your loved one. We ensure that seniors who are aging in place receive proper and compassionate care so that you can have peace of mind that they are well taken care of. To find out more about our services, give us a call at (773) 207-3767.