21 Oct 2014
Neighborly Home Care Highlights Summer Risks to Seniors
The summer sun has been welcomed by residents across Pennsylvania, but for some seniors living at home, the increased heat of the summer can result in significant health concerns. Therefore, it is important that caregivers provide their loved ones, especially if they are elderly, enhanced levels of care during the hot summer season.
Trusted Ardmore-based senior home care specialists, Neighborly Home Care, are now helping to ensure the safety of seniors across Delaware County, Bryn Mawr and Bala Cynwyd by offering their tips for optimal care.
1. Remind Loved Ones Regularly About Their Health Requirements
In general, the elderly find it difficult to remain hydrated during the summer months. It can often be difficult for them to continually go to the tap for a glass of water. This means that many suffer from dehydration – a medical problem that can have lasting consequences if not resolved quickly and effectively. It is imperative that caregivers remind their family members about the importance of hydration when temperatures and humidity are high. As part of this process, caregivers should ensure that seniors are not only drinking water but also eating hydrating foods such as soups, vegetables and watermelon.
2. Ensure Loved Ones Have Regular Access to Air Conditioning
Sometimes, the elderly don’t have access to air conditioning systems within their home. Therefore, it’s important that caregivers provide their loved ones with fans and other cooling systems to help them maintain a safe and comfortable body temperature. Caregivers might also take seniors to air conditioned spaces such as malls and senior centers, in order to ensure they remain cool and safe throughout the summer season.
If seniors choose to, or if they must remain in their home during the summer heat, loved ones can help keep them cooler by closing blinds to keep the heat from the sun out of the home.
3. Ask Neighbors to Check-In Regularly
A great way to protect seniors during the summer is to have neighbors visit with them regularly to check on their condition and ensure they’re healthy and happy.
This is the ideal solution for those who don’t live in the same region as their senior loved ones, and will provide some peace of mind in knowing that they are being care for by someone in the local area.
4. Seek Specialist Help for seniors with Medical Conditions
The heat during the summer months can exacerbate existing medical conditions. It is important that caregivers provide their loved ones with the highest level of professional care during this challenging time. Experts, such as the team at Neighborly Home Care, can provide companionship and specialist care services to protect seniors against some of the dangers that arise in summer season.
It is important to be proactive in protecting seniors. To learn more about how to provide help and exceptional support to seniors during the summer months, contact Neighborly Home Care directly today. Qualified specialists are standing-by to protect your loved ones.
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I just wanted to tell you how grateful we are that Neighborly Home Care stepped in & took over taking care of my Dad when we really needed it, no questions asked. Our caregiver has become part of the family and we know we can depend on her being there every day & taking great care of my Dad. He misses her when she’s not there!