Summer is filled with all sorts of enjoyable activities, from picnics and fireworks to sitting on the porch to visiting farmer’s markets and more. As a caregiver for someone with dementia, you know that regular activities can be invigorating, enjoyable and beneficial for your loved one. However, the summer heat is something that can greatly affect seniors, and provides added issues for those with dementia as well. It’s important that we know summer safety tips to protect our loved ones during the hottest months of the year.
“Older adults, and in particular individuals with a cognitive disease like dementia, are at higher risk during hot weather than younger people,” says Nat Grim, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Mashpee. “Due to our body’s changes as we age, we’re less able to adjust to sudden temperature changes, or we have a chronic condition that affects our response to heat, or our medications don’t interact well with heat – or a combination of all these reasons.”
These changes must be observed and paid attention to, says Nat, which is fine if the senior is capable of doing so. For those with dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease, it’s essential that caregivers know the risks and put protective measures in place to help their loved ones get through the summer heat in a safe, comfortable way.
Staying Safe … in the Sun
“Fun in the sun” seems to define summer activities. Sunshine is great – it has antibacterial properties, gives us our daily dose of Vitamin D and keeps us happier overall. Caregivers will need to take extra steps to protect their loved ones with dementia, though. Due to the nature of their disease, your loved one may not think or remember to protect themselves from the sun. Here are some things you can do to keep your loved ones safe:
- Carry sunscreen with you and encourage your senior to regularly apply it every few hours.
- Find ways to make sure your loved one stays in a cool spot – like inside in air conditioning – during the midday heat. Keep outdoor activities to a minimum if possible during this time (usually between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.).
- Dress in proper attire. Have your loved one wear a hat, sunglasses and loose, breathable clothing to wick away sweat and stay cool.
- Dehydration can occur very quickly during the summer. Offer your loved one with dementia drinks on a regular basis, and be sure there is plenty of hydration available wherever you go. At home, make sure there are plenty of beverages on hand (such as flavored water or fruit juice – avoid caffeine, alcohol and other diuretics).
Staying Safe … During Group Activities and Events
Firework displays, concerts in the park, outdoor markets and holiday parades are an oft-loved tradition of summer, but your loved one with dementia may find them difficult or discombobulating. Since many of these activities revolve around family and friends, this can be hard for caregivers who want their loved ones to spend time with others but are unable to process everything. However, there are ways for you to involve your senior loved one in beloved traditions without putting them in a situation where they will be overwhelmed:
- Instead of attending a parade or fireworks show, watch the event on television and make it a fun event. Invite friends and family over if you feel that might be a good idea.
- If you’re attending a crowded event like a baseball game or outdoor market, stay close to your loved one and monitor them to see how they’re feeling. Have an exit strategy in place if you need to leave quickly.
- Be sure your loved one carries identification at all times (an ID tag or bracelet is a good idea) so that if you get separated, they will be able to get help quickly.
- Remember that your loved one will need time in peace, quiet and cool. Be sure to make plans for this, even if you’re just sitting quietly in the car.
Staying Safe … at Home
Being at home isn’t necessarily a summer activity, but it’s important to remember that there are steps you should be taking at home to make sure your place is as secure for your loved one as possible.
- If your loved one is prone to wandering, you’ll want to take extra precautions during the summer months. It’s very easy for people with dementia to not dress appropriately for the weather or not take water with them, meaning they run the risk of heat stroke. Take steps to keep your loved one safe, whether through a monitoring system or finding ways to keep entrances and exits secure.
- Be sure your air conditioning is running at the top of its game. You don’t want to have to deal with a broken-down air conditioner on top of everything else. You’ll also want to invest in some fans to make sure air is circulating and as an added precaution to stay cool.
- Schedule mandatory events like doctor’s visits earlier in the morning so your loved one doesn’t have to be out in the hottest part of the day.
- Stock your home with cool drinks and be sure that your loved one takes cool showers or baths to help stay cool.
Staying Safe … on Vacation
It’s not impossible for you and your loved one to go on a trip this summer – it just means a little extra preparation. Whether you plan on traveling cross-country or across town, here are some things you can do to make a journey enjoyable and as stress-free as possible.
- Plan ahead by connecting with friends, family members, and places where you’ll be staying. If you’re meeting family, be sure they understand your loved one’s condition and be realistic about their limitations.
- Pack items that are familiar and comfortable to your loved one, such as a favorite robe or pillow.
- Carry important documents with you, including a list of medications, doctors’ information, insurance cards, medical records and emergency contacts.
- Even though you’re on vacation, try and keep to your daily routine as much as possible. Eat at regular times and go to bed at the normal time.
- Remember to take time for rest. Don’t try and do too much at once. Take it slow and plan times for resting, napping and relaxing.
- Schedule events and outings during your loved one’s “good times” to avoid aggression, anxiety or other disruptive behaviors.
With thoughtful planning, summertime activities can be fun, rewarding and the basis for some memories you can carry with you throughout the years. Remember to be patient, prepared and flexible, and you and your loved one can make this a summer to remember.
Peace of Mind for Cape Cod Seniors and Their Families
Bridges® by EPOCH at Mashpee 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.
Age in Place
While many memory care assisted living communities are unable to care for those whose memory loss has progressed, Bridges® by EPOCH at Mashpee can continue to provide a home and care no matter the stage. Our age in place philosophy helps residents avoid the stress often associated with moving to another community and offers peace of mind to their families. Perhaps the best benefit, your loved one remains in the care of those they’ve grown to know and trust.
Supportive, Engaging Services
At Bridges® by EPOCH at Mashpee, we offer a program of care and services that celebrates life and supports individual strengths. Our compassionate and engaging approach adapts to the unique challenges and individuality of each resident. No matter what stage of memory loss a resident may be experiencing, families can be sure their loved one will receive a full array of services and a high level of personalized attention.
Contact us today to learn more.