Summer Safety Tips for Seniors
Summer has officially arrived! It’s time to spend quality time with loved ones and create memories to last a lifetime.
Visiting Angels Knoxville, TN knows that planning summer activities is something that our clients and their families look forward to each year. We ensure that our senior clients can enjoy time spent with family and friends by crafting their in-home care plan to meet their exact needs. By making day-to-day activities more manageable for our clients, we make room for memories to be made with family and friends.
While the summer is an exciting time, it can also be a dangerous time of year for seniors. The CDC estimates that around 650 people die from heat-related causes each year, and most individuals are ages 65 and up. Luckily, safety measures can be taken to make sure your senior loved ones can enjoy their summer and stay safe and cool.
Summer Safety Tips for Seniors
Smart outfit choices – While many seniors may not feel the heat as they once did when they were younger, that is no reason to wear heavier clothing. You should wear light, breathable clothing to keep body heat down. Not only will this keep you cool, but it will also help prevent uncomfortable ailments such as heat rash.
Stay indoors – On especially hot summer days, consider staying indoors as much as possible. During the summer months, seniors should aim to be inside between noon and 4 p.m. each day to avoid peak temperatures. Heatstroke is most likely to occur during these hours. Pay attention to heatstroke symptoms which can include disorientation, dizziness, headache, and hallucinations. Avoiding the heat during these hours of the day will keep you safe and healthy.
Stay hydrated – Not only is water refreshing, but it can be a lifesaver! Staying hydrated will keep the body functioning properly and prevent dehydration, which can be brought on from the added summer heat.
There is no set amount of water that a senior should consume in a day, as everyone's needs are different. Our Visiting Angels Knoxville, TN in-home caregivers will help figure out what a healthy water intake looks like for each client they serve.
Eat healthy foods – We've all heard the saying, "you are what you eat," and it's true! What you eat will determine your energy levels and overall health. Eating foods that can keep you hydrated is a great decision to make in the summer months. Your body will indeed thank you!
Foods that will keep you hydrated can include tomatoes, melon, celery, soup, and berries. Our caregivers work with clients to ensure their daily nutritional needs are being met.
Home preparations – Remember to check your air conditioning unit each summer season. A lack of air conditioning can put you in grave danger of suffering from heatstroke.
Wear sunscreen – Our skin is sensitive, and it's essential to protect it from the sun's harmful rays. Wearing sunscreen that is at least 30 SPF will keep your skin safe and work to prevent sunburn. You can also protect yourself from the sun with sun hats, umbrellas, and sunglasses.
Get enough sleep - Getting a good night's rest will ensure that you have the energy to get through the long days of summer. Warmer temperatures can cause exhaustion, so it is important to get enough rest during the summer months.
How Visiting Angels Can Support
Summer is the season of fun in the sun and Visiting Angels Knoxville, TN is here to make sure your senior loved ones enjoy it to the fullest while staying safe and comfortable. Taking the precautions listed above will ensure your whole family enjoys the summer season. If you are interested in learning more about how Visiting Angels can support your senior loved ones at home all year round, we encourage you to browse through our website to view our services or contact us at 865-531-4833.