Helping our aging population to live their best life while staying safe this summer!
Here at Stonehenge Senior Living, we know a thing or two about assisting seniors in our facility. After being in business for 30 years, we've learned a few tips and tricks to help our senior residents live their best life in the summer while staying safe! Our elderly population needs some extra attention to be able to stay safe during the summer months. Make sure when choosing an assisted living facility or personal care home that they offer plenty of safe activities for your loved one during this season!
By taking the right precautions, you can still soak up the sun and enjoy all that summer has to offer!
Tip #1 - Hydration, hydration, hydration!
Proper hydration can be a challenge for seniors no matter the season. However, during the summer months in particular, hydration can be the difference between enjoying the activities or dealing with a potential medical emergency. Offer frequent cold drinks, popsicles, and even ice chips with snacks! A common problem among the elderly is the loss of critical electrolytes. Staying properly hydrated keeps the fun going all summer long!
Tip #2 - Dress for success!
A floppy hat is the new must-have accessory! Besides protecting that beautiful skin from burning, keeping a head covering on also helps protect the eyes from the damaging effects of bright sunlight. Many seniors struggle with cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration. Wearing sunglasses is always important, but don't forget to add a nice floppy hat for additional shade over the eyes! Keep clothing loose and wear lighter colors to help deflect the heat. Don't forget your sunscreen!
Tip #3 - Early bird? Night Owl? Yes & Yes!
No one wants to stay inside all summer long. Get creative with your time outdoors to enjoy the season while staying safe! Enjoy the air conditioning during the hotter parts of the day, usually 10am-3pm. That still leaves beautiful summer mornings and late afternoons for swimming, porch sitting, gardening, or corn hole! Our Pool Club meets in the mornings to keep our residents active but most importantly, safe! As dusk falls, the lightning bugs make their arrival, and that's always a magical sight in the summer!
Tip #4 - Check your prescriptions...then check again!
Before going out into the sun, check all prescription bottles for warning labels about sun exposure. Some medications cause photosensitivity, which can make an already vulnerable senior very sick when exposed to extended sunlight. If you want to make doubly sure that your medications are safe in the summer sun, contact your doctor's office or pharmacy for confirmation.
Tip #5 - Know when enough is enough!
There's no bigger bummer in the summer than heat-related illness. Even with all precautions in place, some seniors are just more sensitive to heat. Know the warning signs and keep a kit with essential relief items with you at all times. Here is a great article on what signs of heat related illness to watch for!
Summer can still be a blast for our aging loved ones!
Taking the right precautions and educating yourself on the special needs seniors have during the hotter months helps them to keep living their best life! At Stonehenge Senior Living, we're always looking for innovative ways for our seniors to enjoy the summer while staying safe! Click here to see what our residents have been up to so far this summer!
What's your favorite way to splash in the summer?
Lake Life for me!
Gotta' have salt water!
Kayaking all the way!
Relaxing pool side!
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