Spending time outdoors in the warmer months of the year is so healthy and fun, particularly for aging adults. The key is to stay safe in the sun, especially for seniors who have fragile skin that needs some extra care. Home care assistance can be a huge help to aging adults and family caregivers with these tasks, keeping seniors active and safe as they keep doing what they love to do.
Choose Protective Clothing and Tools
Protective clothing and accessories, like wide-brimmed hats, can go a long way toward helping seniors stay comfortable and safe in sunny weather. Long sleeves, pants with long legs, and even long, flowy skirts can all offer protection. These clothes are best used in shaded areas so that seniors have even more protection from the sun’s rays. Home care providers can help seniors choose clothes that are appropriate and then make getting into them easier.
Plan Activities Wisely
For many seniors, changing up how they plan their outdoor activities can offer them some support from heat and sun. Planning the activities they want to do outside much earlier or even later in the day can make so much difference. The middle of the day is when the heat is highest and the sun is more likely to damage sensitive skin. Taking into account where shade occurs throughout the day can help with planning.
Offer Plenty of Water
Hydration is always important, but it’s especially crucial when seniors are outside for more than a few minutes. Sipping on water consistently helps to make sure that seniors are hydrating their bodies from within. As they sweat, they’re replenishing those lost fluids. Hydrating well before and after time outside is also helpful.
Make Sunscreen Accessible and Help Apply It
Sunscreen needs to be reapplied every couple of hours, but most people tend to forget about it. Home care assistance can help seniors apply sunscreen initially, and they can also remind seniors to reapply if they’re outside for longer than a couple of hours. Reapplying ensures that seniors stay protected and are less likely to find themselves dealing with burns or blisters after their time outside.
Stay Aware of Signs Indicating Burns or Heat Illnesses
Sun damage can be a little sneaky at times. Skin may feel hot, but the actual burn can show up several hours later. Keeping skin covered, both in sunscreen and with clothing, can reduce the risk of a burn. Other signs of heat-related illnesses can include dizziness, weakness, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, seniors might find that they’re running a fever and experiencing chills. Home care assistance can watch for these signs and get help immediately so that seniors have a better chance of avoiding long-term impacts from heat-related illnesses.
Spending time outside when the weather warms up is the perfect way to get fresh air, stimulate the brain, and keep the body moving, especially for seniors. But it’s important that seniors stay as safe as possible, too, and home care assistance can offer aging adults the support they need.
If you or an aging loved one are considering home care assistance in Coon Rapids, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.
