Home Care in Galion OH
Now that summer is upon us, many people are excited to spend the next three months outdoors in the summer heat gardening, going to the beach, or simply just sitting outside. Yet, for elders, especially those who may need senior care, it is important they take the right precautions in order to enjoy themselves without risking their health. These tips will allow your loved one to soak up plenty of vitamin D, without harming themselves.
1. Enjoy the sun in small doses
Spending too much time outdoors when the daily temperature is at its hottest could cause the elders body temperature to rise. Even the slightest increase could become dangerous to your loved one’s health. If they must be outdoors, you or a home care provider should make sure he or she goes into an air conditioned or cool building in order to take a break from the sun.
2. Drink plenty of water
Older adults are unable to retain as much water as younger adults, so it is important they stay hydrated. As we get older, it becomes increasingly difficult to determine when our bodies are in need of water, so elders will need to constantly be reminded to drink up. A home care provider would be the perfect solution to the need for a continuous reminder for them to have water. When outside, they should also have a water bottle with them.
3. Check with their doctor
Some medications may cause your loved one to become more sensitive to hot weather, so discuss their prescriptions with their doctor. Some medications may also become less effective if stored in a room that has a higher temperature than 78 degrees Fahrenheit, especially if there is no air conditioning. Keep your loved one safe by checking out all medications with their doctor.
4. Talk to the neighbors
There may be times where you or their caregivers will not be around to check on them. Meet the neighbors and let them know of your loved one’s condition and ask if they would be willing to check on them every once in a while to make sure everything is alright. If a family member lives close by, you may also want to see if they could stop by to check on your elderly parent.
5. Dress appropriately
Elders should wear lightweight, light colored, cool clothing, such as those made of synthetic fibers, in order to keep their body temperature down. In order to prevent sunburns, long-sleeve shirts and long pants should be worn to keep the skin protected, as well as wearing sunblock on exposed skin. A wide-brimmed hat will keep the face protected, while sunglasses will protect the eyes from harmful UV rays.
6. Apply bug spray
Elders are more susceptible to diseases carried by bugs, such as West Nile Virus. If your loved one lives in an area with a lot of mosquitos, applying plenty of bug spray is important.
7. Watch for signs of heat stroke
Heat stroke can be potentially fatal, so you need to know the symptoms to watch for, which include:
- Flushed, dry skin
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fainting
- Heavy breathing
- Lack of sweating, even in hot weather
- A change in behavior
With these tips, your loved one will be able to enjoy the outdoors without compromising their health. If you think they may be at a point that they need elderly care, consider bringing a caregiver in this summer, to help keep them safe and healthy.
If you are considering hiring home care in Galion, Ohio, call the caring staff at Central Star Home Health at (419) 610-2161. Providing services for families in Mansfield, Lexington, Bellville, Mt. Gilead, Loudonville, Crestline, Galion, Shelby, Ashland, Wooster, and the surrounding areas.
Source:
https://www.care.com/a/12-summer-safety-tips-for-the-elderly-1404231319
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