Last month, the Farmers’ Almanac made its predictions for what the upcoming summer holds. Surprise! It’s going to be … hot. Hot, rainy and humid. “Much of our summer forecast predicts lots of rain, thunderstorms, and wetness during July and August in the Northeast and New England areas,” says Pete Geiger, editor of the Farmers’ Almanac.
Sure, this announcement doesn’t come as a surprise, says Eric Kessler, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Westwood, a memory care assisted living community in Westwood, MA. “We’re used to sultry summers here in Massachusetts, so at least we know how to handle the heat,” he says. “For seniors and loved ones of seniors, however, it’s important to remember that the heat can potentially be dangerous for them. Before things really heat up, be sure to review these care tips for ensuring a cool, healthy and safe summer for you and your family.”
1. Know what you’re dealing with.
While there’s nothing you can do to affect the weather, you can affect your body and how it may react to the extreme heat and sun. Check with your doctor to discuss your medications and health conditions. Some prescription drugs can affect seniors differently in the heat, so it’s important to understand what could happen in order to avoid an unpleasant accident. Seniors are also simply more susceptible to heat than their younger counterparts, so it’s important that aging adults and their loved ones understand their body’s limitations – and be willing to listen and act when their body is telling them “enough is enough!”
2. Stay out of the heat.
You don’t have to stay cooped up inside, but it is important to plan your days accordingly so you can stay cool. It’s best to plan outdoor activities before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. to avoid the worst of the sun and heat. If you are outside during the midday, avoid the sun as much as possible and wear appropriate clothing. You may also wish to opt for cooler activities at any time throughout the day, like water aerobics or going to an event at an air-conditioned senior center. Save exercise for the evening hours when things have cooled off and the sun isn’t out to bake sensitive skin.
3. Stay constantly hydrated.
Most people generally aren’t regularly drinking enough water, so in the summertime, we’re really dehydrated. Seniors get dehydrated fairly quickly, so be sure to have water and other liquids on hand to sip throughout the day. Choose non-caffeinated options like iced herbal tea or flavored water if your loved one doesn’t enjoy “plain” water. Remember, if you’re thirsty, it means that you’re already dehydrated.
4. Offer cool, frozen snacks.
What’s more refreshing than an ice cream cone or a popsicle? Opt for sugar-free versions as a refreshing treat, or freeze some favorite fruit to serve as “ice cubes” for favorite summer beverages, or as something to munch on when the temperature is through the roof.
5. Wear sunscreen.
Our skin thins as we age, plus many seniors take medications that make their skin more sensitive to the sun. It’s estimated that nearly 80 percent of individuals age 65 and older have some form of skin cancer – so be sure to slather on the sunscreen as part of your daily routine. Re-apply at least every two hours, more if you’re in the water or sweating. Even when you’re protected, be sure to wear appropriate clothing (don’t forget a hat and sunglasses) and stick to the shade whenever possible.
6. Know the signs.
Dehydration, heat stroke and heat exhaustion can be dangerous and deadly if left untreated. Educate yourself on the symptoms, and if you or a loved one exhibit warning signs, take immediate steps to cool them down. Here are signs to be aware of.
- Dry skin with no sweat
- Moody behavior
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fainting
- Trouble breathing
Move to a cool location and quickly cool down with cool washcloths on pulse points. If you’re in a home, you can also take a cool shower (not cold) in order to cool down quickly. Be sure to offer something cold to drink and pay attention to how you or another person is improving. Once stabilized, call the physician. If the condition doesn’t improve, call 9-1-1 right away.
7. Get your home checked for proper ventilation.
Have your air conditioner serviced to make sure it’s running as smoothly as possible. If you or a senior loved one don’t have air conditioning, plan ahead. Stock up on fans and be sure that the home is set up to allow air to circulate. Be sure that blinds are closed during the heat of the day to keep sunlight from overheating a room. You may want to consider sun shades that can help block the heat and keep cool air inside.
While it’s important to be aware of the heat and its effect on seniors, Eric says that a little prevention can go a long way to helping you have a fun and safe summer. “There’s no reason to stay cooped up inside because it might be hot outside,” he says. “By following these steps and making sure you and your loved one are listening to your body and know the warning signs, this upcoming summer can be memorable and enjoyable, no matter how hot it may get!”
Personalized Lifestyle
Bridges® by EPOCH at Westwood provides assisted living memory care that is comfortable, positive, safe and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia or memory impairment, we’ve created a wellness-focused lifestyle that promotes dignity and individual preferences. Our memory care professionals receive specialized and ongoing training designed to help residents maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment – making a truly positive impact on the lives of our residents each and every day.
Personalized Services
Our care and services are designed to recognize and adapt to the individual challenges and personalities of our residents, while making sure they are comfortable and safe. We believe in a full-service approach to care and provide a high level of personalized attention for every resident through all stages of memory loss.
Our Amenities
Bridges® by EPOCH at Westwood features a distinct design, providing residents with everything they need to enjoy comfort, familiarity and security. Our community is built specifically to benefit those with Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss … so we use soft colors, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life stations to create a soothing, safe environment where residents feel at ease.
Contact us today to learn more.