4 Ways to Help Seniors Handle Summer Heat

The heat of summer is here and while these long days offer plenty of fun and enjoyment for all of us, they can be hard on the seniors in your community. As we age, heat affects us differently, increasing the risks of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Certain medications many seniors take, as well as their health conditions themselves, make the heat of a summer day a real health risk. Our senior home care services team offers four ways to help older adults better cope with summer heat:

1. Air conditioning and fans. Home maintenance is an area that many seniors struggle with, so it’s worthwhile to visit and make sure that their air conditioning system is in good working order. This is especially important for housebound seniors.
2. For many seniors, it’s more difficult to get out of the house to run errands and, as we age, our body’s ability to signal that we are getting dehydrated tends to decrease. Visiting the seniors in your area with a few bottles of water and fruit juices is a good opportunity to check up on them, ensure that they are hydrating and at the same time, get in a social call.
3. Help out so they don’t break a sweat. Home maintenance in summer is a sweaty, hot job, and helping out a senior by taking on those tasks is a great opportunity to prevent falls, dehydration and heat-related health issues. Volunteering to mow a lawn, repair an awning, carry heavy goods, or walk their dog will keep older adults off their toes and in cooler environments.
4. Offer transportation. Many seniors walk or rely on public transport, but this can be unbearable on hot days, even for younger people. If you see an elderly person waiting for public transport or know someone close by who needs to run errands, a trip in your cool, air-conditioned car presents a great alternative.

Homecare for the Elderly – Independence and Assistance with All the Comforts of Home

Whether you need residential in-home respite care or need someone qualified and experienced to assist your loved one on a more permanent basis, our home health aide services in New Jersey are here to help through our HomeWorks program. Our staff are fully certified in New Jersey and have senior care training and experience. Please feel free to ask for formal certification and references.

For more information on our senior homecare services in NJ, please contact us today or visit our website at https://umcommunities.org/homeworks/Home-Care-Services-For-Seniors