Summer Heat Survival Tips for Seniors

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Here are 5 key survival tips that Wellhome recommends to help seniors beat the heat this summer and remain comfortable in their homes.

1) Stay Hydrated and Maintain a Cool Home Environment

Family members should check on elderly family members to make sure their A/C units or fans are working efficiently and that their loved ones are staying properly hydrated by checking on them at least twice a day.

2) Remain Sun Protected

Encourage lightweight and light-colored clothing for a day in the sun to protect the skin. Always remember to help them apply sunscreen of at least 30+ SPF, UV-filtering sunglasses along with a hat if needed.

3) Choose Smart Summer Activities

Plan outdoor strenuous activities either early mornings or evenings when the temperature is at its coolest and not when UV rays are at their peak.

4) Family Vacation Caregiver Relief Help

Many families may not be aware that short term, temporary help is available through local agencies providing respite care. Respite programs provide planned short-term and time-limited breaks for families with a disabled or senior-aged loved one. Even though many families take great joy in providing care to their loved ones so that they can remain at home… the physical, emotional and financial consequences for the family caregiver can be overwhelming without some support, such as respite.

5) Home Chore Maintenance

The heat can cause fatigue and an increase in health issues therefore causing neglect in the everyday house maintenance. Home chore and personal care agencies are available to help out with light household duties, meal preparation, medication reminders and shopping help when your aging loved one can no longer do for themselves or when the caregiver is in exhaustion mode.

Even though the heat and humidity is unavoidable over the summer time, preparing those you love to prevent some of the safety concerns early on will pay off long term.

HEAT STROKE IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. CALL 911 immediately if a loved one shows any signs of heat stress or stroke or visit the nearest emergency room.

Some of these facts are from the Center for Disease Control http://www.cdc.gov/communications/tips/heat.html.