Beat the Summer Heat with In Home Senior Care
The hot summer months are upon us and there is no more important time to make sure an elderly loved one is safe. It is important to remember that our elderly loved ones are more impacted by extreme summer heat than those of a younger generation. Senior Helpers of Santa Barbara provides in home senior care to all areas of Santa Barbara that will give you and your family reassurance that your elderly loved one is not over exerting themselves in the heat and that they are staying safe. Seniors’ bodies aren’t as able to adjust to severe temperature changes as well as others are at a greater risk for heat. Your senior loved one may also be on a medication that limits their ability to respond to changes or affect their ability to perspire. While your senior loved ones are more likely to succumb to serious heat related illnesses, there are steps that can be taken to minimize that risk and keep them safe.
Soaring temperatures and triple digit heat indices may be keeping you inside more than usual this year, but for aging seniors, dealing with the summer heat requires a little more planning than simply waiting it out indoors. One of the best things you can do to protect your aging parents and other senior loved ones from this summer’s sizzling heat wave is to prepare a personal summer survival kit. A simple object that every senior needs nearby is a reusable water bottle to help maintain hydration. It is especially helpful for your family to gather together all copies of prescriptions and health insurance cards for easy reach. You can also create a list of phone numbers of health care providers and information concerning chronic health problems. When family outings and other social events such as weddings and graduations call for time spent outdoors, it is important to help an elderly loved one to beat the heat. Remind your loved one to wear loose, breathable layers like cotton. A sun hat can also help to prevent sunburn on the skin. Bring an umbrella to help provide shade if trees or a canopy is not available at the event.
Senior Helpers of Santa Barbara also provides transportation to and from local events, appointments, social functions and other venues within your loved one’s community. You and your family can rest assured that when a loved one needs to venture outside of the home that they are accompanied and delivered to and from their appointments safely. Another way to beat the heat is to go to local museums and theaters. A cultural visit is sure to excite the mind and provide an activity that is entertaining as well as climate-controlled. Going to the movies to spend time at a matinee can also be a fun outing to pass a humid day. Family flicks can be a great way to include grandchildren as well! Any way to spend time with family is a great day! When your loved one does leave the house, you can trust that a reliable caregiver from Senior Helpers of Santa Barbara will make sure that they have sunscreen with at least an SPF 30 to prevent serious burns under the hot summer sun.
If you would like to learn more about caring and consistent in home help for seniors, along with the many benefits of professional live in care for the elderly, or dementia and Alzheimer’s care, call Senior Helpers of Santa Barbara to speak to a senior care specialist today 805-687-7777! The compassionate senior care specialists at Senior Helpers can also guide you through the process of receiving the Veterans Administration Aid and Attendance Benefit if your elderly loved one is a veteran. In home senior care allows your loved one to stay in the comforts of their own home for as long as possible while receiving the level of care they need. Senior Helpers of Santa Barbara provides a wide range of services including Alzheimer’s and dementia care, personal assistance, companionship, and so much more to all areas of Santa Barbara.