Are you finding that the summer temperatures this year are especially high? Do you have aging parents? You need to be aware that senior adults are very vulnerable to heat-related health risks. In fact, dangerous situations may occur for your aging parents with both the hot temperatures and any health issues they may have. These concerns and risks can be mitigated when there is careful planning and attention given to our seniors by their caregivers, and their adult children.
We understand, as a Florida estate planning law firm, the importance of protecting our senior loved ones. We want to share eleven ways that you can help make sure that your aging loved ones stay safe, healthy, and comfortable during the hot summer months.
- Keep hydrated. Were you aware that being hydrated is a foundational building block for overall health? This may be challenging for seniors for two reasons: summer heat causes sweating, and older adults have a diminished ability to conserve water. So encourage your senior parents to drink water regularly, even if they do not feel thirsty. You can also offer hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, watermelon and broccoli.
- Keep covered up when out in the sun. Clothes that are light-colored and loose-fitting can help reduce the ill-effects of sun exposure while keeping the body cool. Remember your hat! Hats are also a great way to protect the head and neck from sun damage. Encourage your senior parents to wear breathable fabrics like cotton and linen to stay comfortable.
- Keep up with visits to the doctor, especially in the summer months. It is never a bad idea for seniors to check in with their doctor. When you visit the doctor at the outset of summer there is an opportunity to evaluate whether any medications could make your senior parents more susceptible to high temperatures. In addition, a regular check-up can also help detect any underlying health conditions that may be exacerbated by the heat.
- Keep using sunscreen. It may be necessary for caregivers and adult children to help seniors protect their skin by reminding them to apply sunscreen when going outdoors. Keeping sunscreen in several convenient places can help create a routine.
- Any activities need to be planned wisely. As much as possible keep activities inside air-conditioned spaces. If you do go outside, plan early morning or late evening outside excursions to avoid the hottest, and most dangerous, parts of the day. Remind senior parents to take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors to cool down.
- Be sure to know and have emergency numbers handy. If your senior parents show signs of dizziness and confusion, then they may be experiencing early signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion, which can creep up without much forewarning. Seniors should always keep a list of emergency contacts on hand to expedite medical care. Be sure that your senior parents know the symptoms of heat-related illnesses and how to respond quickly.
- As the adult child of senior parents you may need to hire help for your parents. Any work outside that your senior parents like to do like gardening, yard maintenance, cleaning, and anything else that heightens the risks of heat exposure just are not worth the risks. So, consider hiring someone for outside chores and projects. Professional help can ensure that these tasks are completed safely and efficiently without putting seniors at risk.
- Be sure to regularly review medications. It is very important to review and understand the potential side effects of a senior parent’s medications. Keep in mind, especially in the summer, that medicines are typically heat sensitive and should always be kept in cool places. You may need to talk with your senior parent’s doctor or pharmacist to understand the proper storage and to identify any medications that may increase sensitivity to heat.
- Keep in touch with your senior parents. By staying in contact with senior parents on a regular basis you can monitor their exposure to summertime heat. When you check-in with them on a frequent basis you provide them with reassurance and then you know that they are following safety precautions. To avoid them feeling isolated, be sure that they stay in touch with their friends and family.
- Be sure they are living in a cool environment. Senior adults need a living environment that is cool and comfortable. This might include using fans, keeping blinds closed during peak sunlight hours, and utilizing air conditioning. You could create a cooling center in the home of your senior parents with cold drinks, a fan, and a comfortable chair where they can retreat during particularly hot parts of the day.
- Having a current Florida estate plan is vital. As a Florida estate planning law firm, we emphasize the importance of having a current estate plan. Make sure your senior loved ones have their estate planning documents up to date to ensure their wishes are honored and to provide peace of mind for the entire family.
We know this article may raise more questions than it answers. Summer can be a wonderful time for relaxation and outdoor activities, but it also presents significant health risks for senior adults. As a Florida estate planning law firm, we are here to help you protect your loved ones and plan for a secure future.
At 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.