With summer on the way, now is a perfect time to learn more about how seniors can protect themselves from the sun. Seniors are prone to heat-related illnesses, sunburn, sunstroke, and other sun related health problems and conditions for a variety of reasons. Seniors should have home care assistance in the summer to help them stay safe. With home care assistance you won’t have to worry that your senior parent will be all alone if they need help because of sun exposure or extreme heat.
All seniors should wear sunscreen every day. You should do, but your senior mom or dad definitely needs to wear sunscreen daily. Wearing a good sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is an easy way for seniors to protect their skin. Some other things that seniors should be doing to stay safe in the summer sun are:
Stay Hydrated
Make sure that your senior parent drinks plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration. Seniors are often chronically dehydrated to begin with, and if they are out in the sun they can become dangerously dehydrated quickly. Encourage your mom or dad to drink water often throughout the day.
Avoid Direct Sun Exposure
If possible, seniors should stay indoors during peak sun hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If your senior parent has to go out, like to go to a medical appointment, make sure they wear a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses, and other sun protection.
If your senior parent has home care assistance their home care assistance provider should be able to make sure your senior mom or dad is dressed appropriately and protected from the sun when going out.
Check For Medication Side Effects
Some medications can increase sensitivity to the sun and heat. Ask the home care assistance provider to check any medications that your senior parent takes for potential side effects that could be affected by the sun or heat. You can also call your senior parent’s doctor directly to ask about any potential problems.
Take Cool Showers or Baths
Cool showers or baths can help lower body temperature. If your senior parent has to spend time outdoors in the hot sun a cool bath or a shower when they come in can help bring down their body temperature fast so they don’t become sick from the heat.
Know The Signs Of Heat-Related Illness
Learn the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache, and confusion. If your senior parent experiences any of these symptoms, call for medical help right away.
Avoid Hot Foods
Because seniors have a difficult time regulating their body temperature, seniors should avoid any kind of hot food at picnics or outdoor gatherings. If there are going to be family get togethers like graduation parties, weddings, or anniversary parties that will be held outside make sure there are cool food options. Salads, fresh fruits, ice cream, popsicles and cold punch are best for seniors to have in the heat.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring home care assistance in Hilton Head Island, SC, contact Heart of the Carolinas Home Care at 864-991-3116.
Providing Home Care Services in Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Anderson, Spartanburg, Mauldin, Seneca, Laurens, Charleston, Columbia, and the surrounding areas.
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