Summer Safety Tips for your Elderly Loved Ones
With summer coming to Northeast Ohio, it is important to know how to beat the heat and ensure that your loved ones stay safe. Use these quick safety tips to help make this summer a healthy, fun one!
First, stay hydrated! The bodies of elderly individuals don't conserve water as well and have less perception of thirst which can lead to dehydration and serious issues if not properly managed. To combat this, keep a water bottle next to their bed or chair so that individuals can drink throughout the day. Foods high in water such as fruits and vegetables (Strawberries, Cucumbers, Watermelon, Celery, etc.) can also help meet the daily requirements for water. Lastly, know some of the warning signs of dehydration, which include headaches, dry mouth, cramping, fatigue, thirst, and dizziness.
Ensure that elderly individuals have access to cool environments because even slight increases in temperature can affect their health. To keep homes cool, use an air condition system (if applicable), use portable fans in common areas/bedroom, and keep sunshine out by using drapes and blinds. If an individual does not have air conditioning, consider going to air-conditioned public areas such as shopping malls, movie theater or libraries on days with high temperatures.
Stay connected! Ensure that you or other family members and neighbors are checking in on elderly loved ones throughout the week. Meet the neighbors who live around elderly loved ones and ask if they would be willing to check in occasionally, especially when you cannot be there. Make sure that other family members and neighbors know who to call in case of emergency or if they have questions. Create an emergency call list and give a copy to neighbors/family members and place it in an easily accessible area of the home.
