Live-in Care for Seniors During the Summer
As the days grow longer and the months get hotter, it’s time to step outside and bask in summer’s vibrant and warm energy. People of all ages participate in various activities as they explore nature’s beauty and warm, inviting weather. While vibrant summer life is often synonymous with younger people, it is crucial to ensure the seniors are in on the fun activities of this delightful season. Engaging our older loved ones in these summer holiday activities gives them joy and fulfillment and contributes a great deal to their overall well-being.
However, while the fun summer activities are great for the seniors, we must acknowledge that the conditions during these warm months can present particular challenges for them. With high temperatures come increased humidity and potential heat waves, which can pose various health risks for these older individuals. For that reason, it is crucial to exercise caution when engaging seniors in these summer activities.
There are ways for seniors to enjoy summer holiday activities safely. But before we get into that, it is essential to learn a few potential challenges they could face when out in the warm weather.
Potential Challenges for Seniors During the Summer
Understanding the challenges our older adults can face during the hot summer days is crucial to ensuring they can safely enjoy elderly activities. Having our live in carer closer to them also helps them stay cool, well-hydrated and comfortable as they partake in a myriad of summer pursuits. Here is an overview of the challenges that most seniors face while out during the summer:
READ MORE: What is Live in Care?
Heat Related Illnesses
As people age, their body gradually loses its ability to effectively regulate its own temperature. For that reason, older adults are highly susceptible to heat-related issues, such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Heat exhaustion is a relatively mild issue and can often lead to fatigue, heavy sweating, nausea and dizziness. Heatstroke, on the other hand, is a more severe and life-threatening issue as it can cause organ damage. With that in mind, it is crucial for seniors to have someone close to help them recognise their susceptibility to the summer heat and take the necessary precautions to protect them.
Dehydration
Besides heat exhaustion and heatstroke, seniors can also suffer from dehydration during the hot summer months. As we age, the human body can become less efficient in holding water. For that reason, seniors are at a higher risk of getting dehydrated when the temperatures are over the roof.
Dehydration is a serious issue that can lead to many complications, including confusion, urinary tract infection and, in severe cases, hospitalisation. That’s why seniors should have an adequate amount of water and other hydrating fluids before they head out for their summer elderly activities.
The Role of Live in Carers in Ensuring Seniors’ Comfort
A live in caregiver is crucial to ensuring the safety and well-being of our loved ones during the hot summer months. With their help, seniors can stay cool, hydrated and comfortable as they enjoy regular activities. Here are some of the ways a live in caregiver can ensure the well-being of our seniors:
- Monitor indoor temperatures to maintain a comfy environment
- Help seniors dress appropriately (in lightweight and breathable clothing) for the summer outdoor activities
- Maintain a hydration routine for seniors to prevent dehydration
- Focusing on foods with high water content, such as fruits and vegetables, during meal planning and preparation to further promote hydration.
Managing Summer Health Conditions in Seniors
While the warm summer months are perfect for fun and enjoyment, they can also aggravate certain health conditions seniors face. Some of these issues include;
- Respiratory issues
- Allergies
- Skin sensitivity
Understanding how these conditions impact seniors is crucial as it helps caregivers determine the right strategies to manage them effectively. Equipped with the knowledge, a live in caregiver can help our older loved ones navigate these health challenges and enjoy their summer activities safely.
Respiratory Issues
The summer is characterised by increased air pollution due to pollen and high humidity. The change in air quality can cause difficulty in breathing for seniors with respiratory conditions, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Some symptoms of respiratory issues you should look out for include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and chest tightness.
Live in caregivers can easily manage these respiratory issues by preventing seniors’ exposure to pollutants, pollen and excessive humidity. This is possible through steps such as using air purifiers and filters, staying indoors and keeping windows closed during peak pollution hours.
Allergies
Poor air quality in the summer can also trigger allergies in older adults. Some common symptoms of allergies include sneezing, itching, congestion and watery eyes.
Live-in care providers can take some preventive measures to minimise seniors’ exposure to allergens. That includes staying indoors and keeping the windows closed, using air conditioners, cleaning and dusting living spaces and staying indoors when the levels of allergens are high.
Skin Sensitivities
With the warm summer weather, seniors can experience increased skin sensitivities due to sunburns, heat rash and excessive dryness. With that in mind, it is essential to protect the skin from direct sunlight and heat to minimise discomfort and the increased risk of complications.
Some of the ways to manage skin sensitives include ensuring seniors wear sunscreen, protective clothing and hats. It is also essential to moisturise and stay hydrated to reduce skin dryness.
Tips and Guidelines for Seniors to Safely Enjoy Outdoor Activities During the Summer
Live-in care providers are responsible for seniors’ safety when venturing outside for summer activities. Here are a few summer safety tips for seniors:
- Plan for optimal outdoor hours – To minimise the risk of heat-related issues, it is wise for live-in care providers to plan outdoor activities for optimal outdoor hours. These can include early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is less hot.
- Appropriate dressing – Ideal dressing for the summer include lightweight, loose-fitting clothes that provide enough cover for the skin but allow for airflow. It is also essential to wear hats and sunscreen to keep away UV rays.
- Hydrate – To reduce the risk of dehydration, seniors need to drink water, even when they aren’t feeling thirsty.
- Watch out for warning signs – Both the senior and live-in care provider should be mindful of any signs of heat-related issues and take the necessary steps to remedy them promptly.
- Maintain a healthy diet – It is essential for seniors to maintain a healthy diet that includes vegetables, fruits and light meals during the summer months. Proper meals help maintain their energy levels as they engage in physical activities.
Conclusion: Advantages of Live-in Carers for Seniors During the Summer
As we conclude our exploration, it is pretty evident that it is crucial for seniors to work with a reliable live in care agency during the summer. A live in carer can ensure our seniors receive personalised attention and assistance as they go out to enjoy the summer activities. However, their help extends beyond physical care. Our live in caregivers will provide emotional support for older loved ones to promote a sense of security and comfort as they enjoy their golden ages. So contact Veritas Care today for a complete care assessment and give your loved ones a chance to enjoy the beauties and opportunities that summer brings.
