Now’s the time to prepare yourself or senior friends and family members for the upcoming summer months.
Summer is a time of fun, relaxation and BBQ’s for most people… but it can also be dangerous for seniors if the proper precautions are not taken. Here’s a list of Summer Safety Tips that seniors and their caregivers can use to ensure an enjoyable summer!
- DRINK PLENTY OF WATER – Dehydration is most common in seniors as they lose their ability to conserve water as they age. It’s important to drink water often and have some for those summer drives and outdoor events.
- DRESS FOR THE WEATHER – Be sure to clear out your winter wardrobe and dress for summer! Wear light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes to help feel cooler and more comfortable.
- WEAR SUNSCREEN, HATS & SUNGLASSES – The elderly need the extra sun protection to help keep them healthy, so remember to apply sunscreen before going outside. Hats are also a great idea and wearing shades can protect eyes from harmful UV rays and preserve vision.
- KNOW WHO TO CALL – Remember to have a list of emergency phone numbers. This way, the right people will be called in case issues arise and to help medical problems from getting worse.
- CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR – Call your doctor and make sure any medications you are prescribed won’t be affected by the higher temperatures. If you don’t have air conditioning in your home, some medications can be less effective.
Resources:
- Gillian Kruse (2017). 12 Safety Tips For The Elderly. Retrieved from: www.care.com/c/stories/5444/12-summer-safety-tips-for-the-elderly/
- The Care.com Team (2017). 10 Summer Safety Tips for Seniors. Retrieved from: www. ca.care.com/articles/seniors/10-summer-safety-tips-seniors/
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