With summer in full swing, many seniors and their families are looking forward to spending some time together in the sun and having a picnic. Though picnics are intended to be fun, there are some precautions seniors need to take to ensure they preserve their health. Waterloo live-in care experts have some tips to help your aging loved one stay safe while enjoying a picnic in the summer.
Protect Against Sun Damage
As we age, our skin becomes thinner, more fragile, and increasingly sensitive to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Your loved one should always liberally apply sunscreen when enjoying outdoor activities like picnics. Doing so helps prevent sunburn and may also reduce the risk of skin cancer. If your loved one starts to get a sunburn, KW elder care professionals recommend moving indoors or to a shady area to help prevent further skin damage. Also, applying a moisturizing lotion and taking an over-the-counter pain reliever may help soothe irritated skin. In addition to sunscreen, sunglasses should be worn to protect sensitive, aging eyes and to diminish eyestrain and excessive glare.
Stay Hydrated
The combination of hot sunlight, preexisting medical conditions, current medications, and poor nutritional status can cause seniors to become hydrated. Drinking plenty of non-caffeinated beverages can help your loved one stay cooler and lower the risk of dehydration. If symptoms such as excessive sweating, lightheadedness, nausea, weakness, or changes in mental status develop, seek medical attention for your loved one as soon as possible.
Apply Insect Repellent
Mosquitoes can disrupt an enjoyable picnic very quickly. However, wearing a nonirritating insect repellent can help keep bugs away so your loved one can focus on having fun. Mosquito bites can be especially dangerous to older adults because the itchy welts can become infected. Mosquitoes can also harbor diseases, which can be life threatening for seniors with certain medical conditions or compromised immune systems.
Bring Prescribed Medications
Forgetting to bring essential medications to a picnic can lead to a medical emergency. A Waterloo caregiver can remind your loved one to gather all medications prior to the event, and they should be readily available at the picnic when needed. If the medications are forgotten and your loved one skips a dose, his or her doctor should be called for further instructions. The doctor may recommend your loved one take the missed medication as soon as possible, or he or she may advise to wait until the next dose is due.
Learn more about keeping seniors safe this summer by reaching out to Home Care Assistance. Our dedicated caregivers can provide medication reminders, transportation, and assistance with a wide array of important daily tasks. For more information on elder care Waterloo families trust, please call one of our qualified Care Managers at (519) 954-2111 today.