Are you looking forward to you and your family having more time to spend with aging loved ones this summer in Florida? Are you and your family hoping to have your aging loved ones over for activities with family and friends, cookouts, and time at the pool and beach? However, when including aging loved ones in outdoor activities in Florida during the summer there needs to be caution against excessively high body temperatures as a result of hours in the sun during summertime.
During the Florida summer aging loved ones need to be protected from the high temperatures. They need to be kept safe during the summer months because they may be more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. What can families with aging loved ones do for them so that they can still enjoy the summertime activities with family? We have 6 critical safety tips to help keep aging loved ones safe in the Florida heat here in our article.
- Be sure aging loved ones are hydrated. In the Florida summer your aging loved ones may need to be reminded to drink plenty of fluids, even when they do not feel thirsty. Offer a variety of beverages, such as water, fruit juices, and electrolyte-rich drinks. Be sure to avoid offering excessive caffeine and alcoholic drinks because they can contribute to dehydration. Always monitor and know the signs of heat-related illnesses.
- Keep your aging loved ones cool. Be sure your aging loved ones have access to air conditioning or fans to keep their living space cool. If they do not have air conditioning and they are able to get out, suggest that they visit public places with air conditioning, such as shopping malls or community centers, during the hottest parts of the day.
- Be sure your aging loved ones limit their outdoor activities. Advise your aging loved ones to avoid being outdoors during the hottest hours of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Encourage them to schedule outdoor activities in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler.
- You and your aging loved ones should check on their medications and help them manage their prescriptions if they need your assistance. Did you know that some medications can increase sensitivity to the sun or affect hydration levels? They can, so be sure your aging loved ones are aware of these effects and consult their healthcare provider if necessary.
- Staying connected with your aging loved ones should be a priority, especially in the Florida summer. Regularly check in on your aging loved ones, especially those who live alone. Be sure they have a way to contact you or someone they trust in case of an emergency and provide them with important phone numbers, such as their healthcare provider and local emergency services.
- It is so important that your aging loved ones have Florida advance directives and Florida estate planning that is current. Who will act for your aging loved one if he or she is incapacitated or there is a crisis? Does this person know they have been nominated to serve in this role? Can he or she do it? Is there a Florida estate plan in place or is it time to complete this critical task? A completed Florida estate plan can play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of our aging loved ones during the summertime and throughout the year.
We know this article may raise more questions than it answers. We know you may have questions about this, and many other, issues. At the Perlin Estate Planning & Probate our credentials enable us to provide a multi-disciplinary approach to our legal services. By building relationships with our clients, we are also able to understand each client’s needs and desires, and we support such goals through thoughtful, comprehensive planning techniques. We encourage you to contact us and schedule a meeting.