4 Summer Safety Tips for Massachusetts Seniors
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- Published on Wednesday, 25 June 2014 18:37
Most of us think summer is our reward for having survived a cold and snowy Massachusetts winter. But for our senior loved ones, summer can create just as many health risks as a Massachusetts winter does. One of the most dangerous is Hyperthermia. It is a condition that occurs when your body is just too hot. If it is left untreated, it can lead to a variety a heat-related illnesses including heat stroke.
The aging experts at Fall River Jewish Home offer caregivers a few tips to keep an aging loved one safe during the Massachusetts heat.
Summer Safety Tips for Seniors
1. Limit time spent outdoors. On the hottest days of the summer, try to avoid going outside during the middle of theHeat and humidity are typically at their peak between noon and 4:30 pm. If you and an aging loved one must go outside, try to do so early in the morning or during the evening hours.
2. Protect thin skin. As we age, our skin becomes thinner and more fragile. It puts older adults at an increased risk for sun burn and sun poisoning. Apply sunscreen every two hours. Most experts recommend applying one full ounce each time you re-apply sunscreen. Remember to cover areas you can’t easily see such as the end of your nose, tops of your ears, and the back of your neck.
3. Stay Hydrated. Make sure you drink 8 to 10 glasses of water every day. If your senior loved one perspires heavily, talk with their physician about using a sports drink to help replace electrolytes. Those drinks should be used with caution though. Some are high in sugar and can be potentially harmful to seniors living with chronic health conditions such as diabetes. There are also a variety of foods that can help seniors stay hydrated.
4. Be aware of medication side effects. Some of the drugs that are commonly prescribed for seniors can increase their sensitivity to sun. That means they can experience a heat-related illness more quickly. Check their meds to see if one they are taking is increasing their summer safety risk.
Finally, remembering three words can help keep your senior loved one safe this summer: Rest, Shade, Drink. Resting in the shade and staying hydrated can make all the difference on a hot summer day.
We’re here to answer questions and help you make the best decision for care for you or your loved one. We invite you to reach out and talk with one of our care specialists at Fall River Jewish Home today! CALL 1.508.679.6172, where assistance is just a phone call away.
Do you have any other tips that might help others this summer?
