Neighbor News
5 Summer Safety Tips for Seniors
As the weather heats up, make sure your senior loved ones are safe: At Home Personal Care: (703) 330-2323.
Heat and humidity: typical aspects of a Northern Virginia summer. To much time around those elements can be uncomfortable for anyone, but summer’s sweltering temps can seriously endanger the health of our senior citizens. Please watch out for your loved ones and make sure they follow these 5 summer safety tips (which are good for everyone in the family):
1. Drink Plenty of Fluids
As we age, it actually becomes harder for the body to maintain proper hydration, and many seniors may veer close to dehydration before realizing it. For many seniors, replacing electrolytes lost in perspiration also becomes harder. Always carry a bottle of water bottle, pack extra in a cooler if you’re traveling, and ask your doctor whether you need a beverage that can replace lost salt and potassium.
2. Watch the Medications
Some medications you might be taking can be affected or work differently in hotter temperatures. In fact, if you live without air conditioning, ask your doctor or pharmacist which of your medications might best be stored in the fridge or a cooler to prevent them overheating.
Find out what's happening in Manassasfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
3. Keep Yourself Cool
Heatstroke is a real danger for seniors, whose bodies are starting to lose climate control powers. If you can stay in an air-conditioned place during the hottest hours of the day (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) try to do that), particularly on very hot days. Keep in the shade and wearing one of those battery-powered personal fans you can wear around your neck. Put a little ice in your drink and patting yourself down with a cool cloth frequently.
4. Dress to Beat the Heat
Wear a ventilated sun hat to keep your face shaded and wear loose, breathable clothing that maximizes air circulation around the body. Cover exposed areas with sunscreen to prevent sunburns and protect your eyes from those same UV rays with some good sunglasses.
Find out what's happening in Manassasfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
5. Stay Connected
Make sure to stay connected with family, friends and neighbors daily so they know how you’re doing, and so you can watch out for them as well. When we work together, we can help each other through those hot, summer days! Also keep in contact with At Home Personal Care’s home care team in your area for more tips and assistance through the summer: (703) 330-2323.
