Senior Citizen Summer Safety Guide

Summer is on its way, and this one feels particularly special after a hard year last year. As seniors get out and about in the summer heat, it’s important to prepare to enjoy summer safely. Seniors have particular risks for heat illness and dehydration, so be sure to help all of your senior loved ones stay safe by following these tips. And just contact At Home Personal Care today for more recommendations.

1. Stay Hydrated

Seasoned citizens have a harder time staying hydrated than younger people, so it is especially important to make sure you’ve packed sufficient water with you, wherever you’re going for the day. If you tend to lose electrolytes quickly, talk with your doctor about something you can drink in addition to water to help replace those.

2. Stay Cool

As seniors get older, it’s harder for their bodies to manage body temperature, which makes them more likely to suffer from heat stroke. Try to stay in the shade with loose, comfortable clothing and plenty of cool water. Stay indoors in the AC, if at all possible, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on the hottest days. A cool wet cloth on the neck or forehead can also help, as can sitting in front of a fan.

3. Watch Sun Exposure

Senior skin is thinner and more susceptible to sun damage, even though everyone, of any age should be careful. Ask your doctor or dermatologist about a safe sunscreen to wear on exposed skin. Make sure to wear a cool, wide-brimmed hat and loose, light-colored clothing that reflects sunlight away from the skin.

4. Dress Right

Our Northern Virginia humidity mixed with stifling heat means light, breathable, loose fabrics are the best for staying cool. There are a lot of new “technical” fabrics that do exactly that and are great at wicking moisture away from the skin to help you stay cool. As previously mentioned, don’t forget a good sun hat and some sunglasses that block UV rays.

5. Repel Insects

If you’re going to be outdoors, remember that mosquitoes and ticks are opportunistic feeders who enjoy your company a lot more than you’ll enjoy theirs. Insect repellent is a must if you’re going into any wooded areas or areas with standing water. Even your backyard might have Lyme-disease carrying ticks in it, so be sure to tick-check yourself after every excursion and know how to remove them safely. If you find one, call your doctor just in case.

6. Prevent Heat Stroke

If you make a good effort to stay hydrated and cool, you can avoid heat stroke—prevention is always preferable to curing it after the fact! If you or any of your loved ones have the following symptoms, seek medical help right away:

• Dry, red, flushed skin
• Feeling faint, or actually fainting
• Nausea, vomiting
• Confusion, agitation
• Labored breathing
• Rapid pulse
• Lethargy
• A temperature of 104F +
• The person is not sweating, even if it’s hot

All of us from At Home Personal Care want to encourage you to have a safe, enjoyable summer. Take these tips with you and stay healthy! For any other senior health tips and advice, contact us at (703) 330-2323.