Staying Safe in Summer
Summer months are often the hardest for vulnerable adults. Read on to find out how to keep your elderly loved one safe in the hot weather!
Summer can be a challenging time for older adults, especially when it comes to staying safe in the heat. Heatwaves have been known to cause heart attacks, strokes, lung problems and other nasty diseases for those who are vulnerable, so you need to know how to keep your loved one safe.
At Bluebird Care Wakefield and Kirklees, we want to make sure our customers stay healthy during these next few weeks as the temperatures rise, so here are our 4 top tips to help keep your elderly loved ones safe during the summer months or a heatwave:
Stay hydrated
Encourage your loved one to drink plenty of water throughout the day. This can help prevent dehydration, which can be a serious problem for older adults, especially during the summer months.
Keep cool
Make sure your loved one's home is well-ventilated and that they have access to air conditioning or fans. Encourage them to stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day to avoid sunstroke, exhaustion and overheating during a heatwave.
Dress appropriately
Light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing such as t-shirts, trousers and dresses can help keep your loved one cool and comfortable. Try to avoid thicker materials such as wool and cotton as these can cause overheating and irritation.
Check in regularly
Make sure to check in on your loved one regularly, especially during heat waves or other extreme weather conditions. Even if all you have the time for is a quick phone call, that time could still give you some indication of how your loved one is coping this summer.
If you spot anything out of the ordinary such as unexpected tiredness, frequent headaches, intense thirst or confusion or heavy breathing, we would suggest moving your loved one into a well-ventilated room and swapping their clothes for something a little more breathable to avoid the risk of heatstroke.
By taking these simple steps, you can help ensure the safety and well-being of your elderly loved ones this summer.
Are you looking for care and support in the home? Contact us today to see how we can help.
How to find the right care for you or your relative
1. Find your local office
Bluebird Care delivers care from locally based offices, find yours to start your care journey today.
2. Get in touch with us
Fill in our call back form or give us a call to find out how we can help you.
3. Assessment
We’ll come out to you to find out what you or your loved one needs to help stay independent at home.
4. Care team chosen & care starts
You'll be cared for by our specially trained team to support you to remain at home for as long as possible.
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