Late spring and early summer are perfect times to pack a lunch and head out into the great outdoors to enjoy the sun, fun and sense of community. It’s also a good time for your loved one with dementia to get out of the house, enjoy activities that stimulate all their senses and simply have a change of scenery. However, there are some safety concerns that caregivers need to know about in order to keep their loved ones safe in the great outdoors.
“Older adults already have to take certain precautions during the summer months, and those with dementia have additional concerns to worry about,” says Chrissy Ross, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Mashpee. “Because of the nature of diseases like Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, individuals have a higher risk of dehydration and heat stroke because they forget what season it is, if they’ve had anything to drink, or if they’ve applied sunscreen and so on. It’s important for family members and caregivers to take steps to make sure that loved ones are kept safe during the hot summer months, especially when they’re outdoors.”
However, Chrissy says that these concerns shouldn’t keep you and your loved one from going outside. “These tips are really quite simple and all come down to being prepared,” she explains. “It’s important for your loved one to get outside and experience what the world has to offer, and summertime is the perfect time for that. And you don’t have to readjust your entire schedule in order to keep things safe. With a few tweaks, additional planning and thinking ahead, you’ll find that staying safe this summer is much easier than you think.”
The Benefits of Being Outside
There are very real physical, mental and emotional benefits to being outside with your loved one. Getting exercise while outside has been proven to help improve memory, verbal expression, energy levels and activity levels. Being outside also helps improve sleep patterns, thanks to healthy doses of vitamin D.
Most of us would agree that going out and getting natural light helps improve our moods and reduce stress. That’s also true for individuals with Alzheimer’s. This form of “light therapy” lifts spirits, improves moods, helps reduce unwanted behaviors and also helps keep their circadian rhythm functioning properly. All this can then lead to boosted self-esteem, happiness and confidence.
Being outside also helps those with dementia feel less isolated and lonely. That’s because the act of simply being outdoors increases the chance of social interaction and social encounters.
Safety Tips for Outdoor Enjoyment
Before heading out for fun in the sun, make sure you have what you need to keep both your loved one and you safe and comfortable during the heat of the day. Here are some common-sense tips that only require a little extra planning for big benefits.
1. Stay inside when it’s hottest.
Because overheating is a very real danger for seniors, try to schedule anything outdoors either early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Generally, the hottest time of the day is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., so plan indoor activities or, if you do have to be outside, find a place where you and your loved one can stay cool.
2. Make sure there’s plenty to drink.
Older adults tend to lose their ability to sense thirst, which means it’s a lot easier for them to become dehydrated. People with dementia have an even harder time knowing when they are thirsty, and they may not even recognize the signals their body is sending them. When you’re outside, make sure that you’re carrying plenty of water or fluids. Consider investing in an insulated thermos or a good cooler so that drinks stay cool, even if it’s sweltering.
3. Choose proper clothes.
Being properly dressed is important for being outdoors, and not just because wearing the wrong clothes can make you overheated. Being appropriately clothed can help keep biting insects at bay, protect eyesight and help avoid sunburn. Choose comfortable and loose items of clothing that cover a good amount of skin without being too hot. Natural fabrics like linen and cotton are good options because they provide natural sweat-wicking abilities. Of course, sunglasses and hats are musts to help keep skin and eyes safe from the sun’s rays.
4. Wear sunscreen.
As we age, our skin becomes more delicate and makes us more prone to developing skin cancer. Be sure that you and your loved one wear a good, strong sunscreen and reapply it regularly, especially if you’re sweating. Make sure to get the back of hands and the tops of your ears – these are places that we often forget about.
5. Apply bug repellant.
Mosquitoes are annoying and can cause some uncomfortable, itchy nights. They (and other biting insects) can carry a host of nasty diseases, so it’s important to make sure you’re doing your part to protect yourself. This is especially true if you will be out in the evening (when bugs tend to congregate) or if you’re walking through a wooded area. After you’ve been outside (especially if you’ve done a hike in nature, for example), be sure to check your loved one for ticks.
6. Have an escape plan.
When you’re planning outdoor activities, make sure that you always have a Plan B. Watch your loved one and gauge their reactions – are they having a fun time? Are they getting grumpy or overwhelmed? It’s always best to keep things on the shorter side so your loved one doesn’t get overtired. Even escaping to a cool, air-conditioned car for some quiet time can be helpful if your loved one is becoming uncomfortable. No matter what it is you’re doing, be flexible enough to make a gracious exit if necessary.
7. Make sure your loved one has identification on them.
Wandering can be a huge problem for those with dementia. Although you take every precaution to stay with your loved one, it’s possible that he or she could wander off while you’re not looking. Consider getting an ID bracelet or tags for your loved one that has your contact information on it. Another good option is to enroll the person in the MedicAlert® + Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return® Program (call 1-800-432-5378 to find the program in your area).
“Living with cognitive diseases like dementia doesn’t mean that your loved one can’t enjoy the benefits of the great outdoors,” says Chrissy. “At Bridges by EPOCH at Mashpee, we love seeing how our residents blossom and find fulfillment being out in the fresh air and sunshine. Our goal is always to provide meaningful moments filled with sensory experiences that help boost health and well-being. Being able to experience the sun on your face, listen to the birds, feel the grass beneath your feet – that’s a beautiful experience that nothing can take away.”
Peace of Mind for Cape Cod Seniors and Their Families
Bridges® by EPOCH at Mashpee provides memory care assisted living that is comfortable, positive, safe and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, our community creates a wellness-focused lifestyle that promotes dignity, respects individual preferences and makes a truly positive impact on the lives of our residents each and every day.
Dedicated Memory Care
Bridges® by EPOCH at Mashpee offers compassionate dementia care and unique programs that are tailored to meet the physical, cognitive and emotional needs of each resident – throughout every stage of disease progression. Residents can age in place comfortably and with dignity, while families gain peace of mind.
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. Our memory care professionals receive specialized and ongoing training designed to help residents maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment.
Bridges® by EPOCH is New England’s largest stand-alone memory care assisted living provider.
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