Summer is the season for outdoor fun, BBQ’s and relaxation. But with higher temperatures and a stronger sunshine it can also pose some serious health threats if the proper precautionary measures aren’t taken. This is even more important when it comes to older people. So whether you’re an elderly person, carer or family member - make sure you or your loved ones have a fun and safe summer by following these 9 safe summer tips for the elderly.
1. Contact Your Doctor
Check with your GP to make sure any medications you are on won't be affected by higher temperatures -- especially if you don't have air conditioning in your home. Some medications are less effective if stored at temperatures higher than room temperature (approximately 78 degrees Fahrenheit), and the last thing anyone wants is for a preventable medical condition to become aggravated due to high temperatures.
2. Drink Plenty of Water
Older people are more susceptible to dehydration than younger people because they lose their ability to conserve water as they age. They also can become less aware of their thirst and have difficulty adjusting to temperature changes. Remember to drink water often, and be sure to pack some for those long summer drives.
Carers should make sure seniors are drinking sweat replacement products (that contain salt and potassium) to replace water they lose during the summer.
3. Dress Right
Everyone, including elderly people, should dress for the weather. When it's warm out, some people find natural fabrics (such as cotton) to be cooler than synthetic fibers. Stock your summer wardrobe with light-colored and loose-fitting clothes to help feel cooler and more comfortable.
4. Sunscreen & Hats
Everyone, young and old, should wear sunscreen when outdoors. The elderly especially need the extra sun protection to help keep them healthy. Carers, family and friends can help by gently reminding loved ones about applying sunscreen and helping to put it on when necessary. Hats are also a great idea, especially for those with light colored hair and those with only distant memories of a full head of hair.
5. Put Shades On
Vision loss can be common among the elderly, and too much exposure to the sun can irritate eyes and cause further damage. Wearing sunglasses can protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and preserve your vision.
6. Stay Cool
Even small increases in temperature can shorten the life expectancy for seniors who are coping with chronic medical conditions. Shopping malls, movie theaters and libraries provide welcome, cool spaces if an elderly persons' own home isn’t air conditioned. They also afford a great opportunity to get out of the house and get some exercise, without the exhaustion of the heat. Older people are much more vulnerable to the harmful effects of heat, as their bodies do not adjust as well to sudden changes in temperature. Some chronic medical conditions and prescription medications can impair the body’s ability to react efficiently to rising temperature.
7. Beware of Hyperthermia
During the summer, be particularly cautious about abnormally high body temperatures -- a condition known as hyperthermia. Heat stroke is an advanced form of hyperthermia that can be life-threatening. Make sure to know the warning signs and get medical attention immediately if you or anyone you know is experiencing these symptoms:
• Body temperature greater than 104 degrees
• A change in behaviour, such as acting confused, agitated or grouchy
• Dry, flushed skin
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Heavy breathing or a rapid pulse
• Not sweating, even if it's hot out
• Fainting
Elderly individuals have a harder time knowing when they are dehydrated and their bodies have more difficulty regulating their temperatures. As a result, they are more prone to heat stroke.
If you (or an elderly loved one) start to feel any of these symptoms, ask for medical help and then get out of the heat, lie down and place ice packs on your body.
8. Intelligent Exercise
If you enjoy outdoor activities such as walking or gardening, make sure to wear the proper clothing and protective gear. It is also important to keep track of time. Do not stay out for long periods and make sure to drink even more water than usual when exercising. Also consider getting outdoor exercise earlier in the morning or later in the evening when the sun is not at its peak.
9. Keep in Touch
High temperatures can be life-threatening, so communication plays an important role in ensuring the safety of the elderly. For seniors, you should let friends and family know if you'll be spending an extended period of time outdoors, even if you're only gardening. Elderly carers should check on the health and welfare of their loved ones at least twice a day.
Get in touch with those who live in your neighbourhood and learn a bit about them and their schedules. If you are elderly, see if a younger neighbor -- perhaps even one of their kids -- can come by and check on you occasionally to make sure everything is all right. The extra company and friendship that can result is a bonus!
Prepare a list of emergency phone numbers and place them in an easy to access area. This way, the right people can be called to help quickly preventing any further issues or preventing medical problems from getting worse.
If you follow these tips, there's no reason you can't have an enjoyable and fun-filled summer -- no matter how old you are.
Isaac 💙
Over the past year there has been a significant growth in the demand for technology supported care, which is revolutionising the way people are cared for at home. MyHomecare have developed our own innovative solution, Isaac Care.
Isaac is a complete independent living solution which focuses on using ambient assistive technology to empower people to live safely and independently at home for longer. The soliton comprises of a family caring app with a range of assistive technology devices and support services. What sets this solution apart from others in the market is that it is fully supported by myhomecare, allowing us to bridge the gap between technology and in person care.
We design bespoke packages tailored to each individuals’ needs. Our technology offering includes smart ambient motion sensors, “The Isaac Pendant”, a GPS enabled falls pendant, and vital monitoring devices. Each device transmits information directly into the users care profile in the Isaac Care app. The technology is supported by a range of support services including a 24/7 call centre, remote monitoring of vital signs and homecare services.
This is all supported by our user friendly family caring app which allows carers to easily communicate with everyone involved in providing care to the end user through “Circles of Care”. The Isaac Care app allows families to easily manage care through a simple messaging feature, calendar management, and allows each user to input their medical history, meaning all their important information is always on hand and stored in one secure place.
Isaac and MyHomecare.ie recognise the importance of getting elderly people using technology and connected online. In conjunction with the Louth Super Connectors Campaign we have gifted some of our local clients with Android tablets to assist them in getting active online.
This initiative has been kindly supported by Generation Tech, who are providing technical support, and Vodafone Ireland who have kindly supplied us with internet access for our clients.
#GiftIT #TeachIT #LearnIT
Carers Week 💙
We recently celebrated carers week.
To all of our carers and to those caring for family or friends, we are so grateful for everything you do.
As a thank you, we gave away one4all vouchers everyday of Carers week as a small token of our appreciation to our carers 🙌
Our Core Values
Customer First – We never compromise on quality – we deliver services to world class standards, nothing less ever.
Accountable – We represent our clients and customers with dignity and honesty. Our stakeholders trust us.
Responsible – It is about seeing the whole job through to the end. It is not done until it is all done.
Empower – Our leaders within the business are encouraged to problem solve, innovate and use the latest technology to support others.
Effective Communication – Clarity, openness and a willingness to listen characterises our approach to interacting with others.
Respect – Integrity, fairness, equality, diversity, cooperation, responsiveness and perceptiveness in how we treat others.
Refer A Friend 💶
We have a referral scheme in operation – if you refer a Nurse to us and they are activated - a fee of €150 will be awarded to the referrer (when the nurse has worked 120 hours with us)
