The hottest months of the year can be dangerous ones for aging family members. Here are some fast and simple ideas for helping your elderly family member to be as comfortable and as safe as possible when the heat cranks up.
Look into Medication Side Effects
Medications do wonderful things, but they can also do unpredictable things. Some medications make it more difficult for your elderly family member to regulate her body temperature or make her skin more sun-sensitive. Make sure you’re aware of how heat and sun can affect your elderly family member along with the medications she’s taking.
Dress for the Temperature
As the weather gets hotter, what your senior wears matters. Clothing made of natural fabrics that allow airflow, like cotton, can help so much. It might also help to stick to clothing that has a looser fit and doesn’t constrict her movements. Clothing that is lighter in color also helps to reflect heat, which can be an important part of her wardrobe choice when it’s really hot out.
Keep Her Skin Protected
The other aspect to consider when helping your senior dress appropriately is whether her skin is protected. Longer sleeves, pants, and hats with wide brims all offer some degree of skin protection. An umbrella, either hand-held or stationary, also serves as a physical block between your senior and the sun.
Cool the House
Keeping the house cool might sound like a given, but for many aging adults, that can be a challenge. If she’s on a very tight fixed budget, your elderly family member might balk at using the air conditioner because that can get expensive. If she’s got ceiling fans, keep those turned on. Using other types of fans can also help. Use window treatments wisely. Wherever the sun is, those window treatments need to be closed.
Do What You Can to Prevent Dehydration
Dehydration is always a serious concern, but it’s especially troublesome during hot weather because it can hit your senior much faster. Sipping water throughout the day can be the best solution, but your elderly family member might not enjoy that. Avoid drinks that have alcohol and caffeine and you might have a better chance at both keeping her sipping and keeping her hydrated.
It's important that when the weather heats up, your senior is prepared for that eventuality. Another way to help her to be prepared is to hire senior care providers. They can keep tabs on how warm your senior might be and ensure that she’s got what she needs.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING SENIOR CARE IN RIVERSIDE, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE LA GRANGE. CALL TODAY: 708-551-2500.
Look into Medication Side Effects
Medications do wonderful things, but they can also do unpredictable things. Some medications make it more difficult for your elderly family member to regulate her body temperature or make her skin more sun-sensitive. Make sure you’re aware of how heat and sun can affect your elderly family member along with the medications she’s taking.
Dress for the Temperature
As the weather gets hotter, what your senior wears matters. Clothing made of natural fabrics that allow airflow, like cotton, can help so much. It might also help to stick to clothing that has a looser fit and doesn’t constrict her movements. Clothing that is lighter in color also helps to reflect heat, which can be an important part of her wardrobe choice when it’s really hot out.
Keep Her Skin Protected
The other aspect to consider when helping your senior dress appropriately is whether her skin is protected. Longer sleeves, pants, and hats with wide brims all offer some degree of skin protection. An umbrella, either hand-held or stationary, also serves as a physical block between your senior and the sun.
Cool the House
Keeping the house cool might sound like a given, but for many aging adults, that can be a challenge. If she’s on a very tight fixed budget, your elderly family member might balk at using the air conditioner because that can get expensive. If she’s got ceiling fans, keep those turned on. Using other types of fans can also help. Use window treatments wisely. Wherever the sun is, those window treatments need to be closed.
Do What You Can to Prevent Dehydration
Dehydration is always a serious concern, but it’s especially troublesome during hot weather because it can hit your senior much faster. Sipping water throughout the day can be the best solution, but your elderly family member might not enjoy that. Avoid drinks that have alcohol and caffeine and you might have a better chance at both keeping her sipping and keeping her hydrated.
It's important that when the weather heats up, your senior is prepared for that eventuality. Another way to help her to be prepared is to hire senior care providers. They can keep tabs on how warm your senior might be and ensure that she’s got what she needs.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING SENIOR CARE IN RIVERSIDE, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE LA GRANGE. CALL TODAY: 708-551-2500.