4 Ways Seniors Can Beat The Heat At Home This Summer

Now that the hot summer weather is here, seniors need to be sure that they are doing what they need to do to avoid heat-related illnesses. When the temperature starts to climb there is a higher risk that seniors will become dehydrated or suffer from heat stroke. Elder care can help senior stay safe from the heat at home. If you’re worried about your senior loved one staying safe when the temperatures climb elder can ensure that your parent is not left alone when the weather is dangerously hot. Some other ways that seniors can stay cool at home this summer include:

Drink Lots Of Water

Seniors are chronically dehydrated even when the weather isn’t warm, so it’s essential that seniors drink water regularly when the weather is hot. Seniors shouldn’t wait until they are thirsty to drink water. An elder care provider can be a big help keeping seniors hydrated because they can offer cool water at regular intervals and encourage seniors to drink. Cool water is the best thing for seniors to drink, but fruit water or flavored water is also good as long as it’s not flavored with artificial flavors and doesn’t have sugar. Seniors should be drinking every hour or so when the weather is hot.

Spend Time Outdoors

Getting out of the house is important for mental and physical health, as long as seniors are not outdoors during the hottest part of the day. Drinking coffee or tea in the morning outdoors in the backyard is a refreshing way to start the day. Eating dinner at a picnic table in the backyard after the sun has gone down is also a nice way to get some fresh air without getting too hot. One of the benefits of aging at home is having access to a backyard or patio. Seniors should take advantage of their outdoor space and use it to get outside in the mornings and evenings when it’s coolest.

Enjoy Some Hydrating Summer Treats

Cool summer treats are the ideal way to stay cool on a warm summer’s day! But seniors should avoid high calorie ice cream packed with sugar. Some better alternatives are chilled fruit, like cut up watermelon which is delicious, sweet, and full of water. Or frozen homemade sorbet, which can be made easily from fruit without added sugar. Cool fruit smoothies and other treats will help seniors enjoy the weather without getting too warm and without eating too much sugar.

Dress For The Weather

Seniors need to be careful not to overdress in the summer. Sometimes seniors can wear clothes that are too heavy for the temperature, especially seniors who have dementia. The best summer clothing for seniors is light layers of clothing made from natural fibers like cotton or linen that will breathe and help seniors stay cool. If your senior loved one is going out in the sun they should wear a light shirt with long sleeves to protect their skin.

Elder Care Can Help

With the help of elder care providers, seniors can enjoy summer activities without being overwhelmed with heat. Elder care can ensure that your senior dresses properly, stays hydrated and plans ahead for the weather. Elder care can also make sure that your senior is comfortable inside the house when it’s too hot to get out. Cool treats, meals and housework taken care of, fans properly placed – all things that elder care can help your senior with.