TOLL-FREE: (877) 227-3195Keep Your Seniors Safe at Home This Summer
The summer months are knocking on our door, bringing with them high temps and humidity that carry a risk for aging seniors who still live in their homes. If your loved one is still independent and living at home, you may worry about them staying safe when the temperatures start reaching into the 90s. That’s why it’s important to ensure they’re cool and comfortable on days like these. Now is the time to make sure their air conditioner is working properly. Turn it on to troubleshoot it and ensure it will function when you need it most. If you are having trouble getting it to work, call in a qualified AC technician to inspect it and make any necessary repairs now.
Throughout the summer, check in on your loved ones to make sure they are using the air conditioner on days that command it and that they know how to operate it correctly. Make sure they have plenty to eat and drink, too. Extreme heat tends to hit older adults harder as they don’t have as much of an ability to regulate temperatures, according to the National Institute on Aging. As such, their risk for health conditions rises in the summer for problems like hyperthermia and heat stroke. Because dehydration is one of the top causes of heat-related health issues, you need to be extra diligent about getting them plenty of water and juice throughout the day. Be on the lookout for signs of fatigue, sweating, weakness and nausea which could signal heat stroke.
It’s important for older adults to maintain physical activity, so if your loved one enjoys getting out for a walk each day, make sure you do so in the morning or in the evening when temps are cooler. It can be tough to get to your loved one’s home every day to check on them. That’s why you get the added peace of mind of care givers from Advanced Home Care to provide assistance and companionship when you can’t be there. Keep your senior safe this summer and enjoy the warmth!