How to Maintain Senior Safety in the Summer Season

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Summer Safety Strategies for the Elderly in Roseville, CA

With heat waves just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about summertime safety for your aging loved one. Rising temperatures can result in a wide variety of serious health complications if you don’t take the proper precautions. Here are a few simple tactics you can use to keep your loved one safe and comfortable this summer. 

Schedule a Checkup with the Doctor

As a general rule, seniors need to schedule at least two medical checkups every year. During the next checkup, ask the doctor if any of your loved one’s medications will be affected by the higher temperatures. If your loved one is taking any medications that cause dehydration or body temperature fluctuations, the doctor might suggest making some alterations during the summer months.

Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care. Roseville, CA, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Avoid Going Outdoors During the Day

Visiting air-conditioned businesses and organizations during the middle of the day will allow your loved one to stay comfortable without being confined to home. You might be able to find a local senior walking group that meets at a nearby indoor mall. Matinee movies are another great option for older adults who would like to get out of the home but need to stay cool. 

Maintain the HVAC System

One of the best ways to prevent mechanical issues in an HVAC system is to schedule biannual maintenance calls. Before it gets too sweltering, have a professional HVAC technician take a look at the blower, outdoor condenser, ducts, and air filters. Most minor HVAC issues are easy to repair as long as they are caught early. An HVAC technician can also increase the efficiency of the air conditioner to keep your loved one’s utility bills down. 

Prioritize Proper Hydration

Many older adults need to make some dietary changes during the warmest months of the year. In addition to drinking plenty of water, seniors should also limit their consumption of diuretics like coffee, tea, and alcohol. There is no hard and fast rule regarding how much water seniors need to drink, but most experts agree older adults should try to consume around a half a gallon of water per day.

Dehydration is just one of the many issues aging adults are susceptible to. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality senior care. Roseville families trust in Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.

Know the Signs of Hyperthermia

Hyperthermia occurs when an individual’s internal temperature rises above 103 degrees Fahrenheit. Catching the early signs of overheating can help your loved one prevent long-term health issues. Some of the most common symptoms of hyperthermia include nausea, headaches, confusion, agitation, and heavy breathing. If your loved one experiences any of these issues, you must immediately get him or her out of the sun and provide cold water to drink. You can also use ice packs or a cold shower to bring his or her internal temperature down.

Caring for older adults can be a difficult task, especially for family caregivers who have other important tasks to tend to. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Roseville, CA, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity. To learn about our high-quality in-home care options, give us a call at (916) 226-3737 today.

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