Tag Archives: summer safety

June 22, 2025 · 8:00 am

Stay safe, keep cool this summer

Summer has just started and this week it’s supposed to be in the high 90s here in Atlanta. I’ve lived here since 1997, and know that hot, long, and humid summers are to be expected. But as one gets older, one needs to take extra precautions against the heat. This applies to our pets as well.

Each year, I write at least one blog post dedicated to summer safety tips. It’s heartbreaking to think that in our modern age, people die because of the heat. For dementia caregivers, extra thought should be given to not only protecting loved ones from the heat, but also finding indoor activities that are stimulating and finding ways to still spend a bit of time outdoors.

The CDC has a simple caregiver checklist for heat safety. Here are some key factors to consider:

Hydration: I’m always blown away by the fact that some people don’t drink water. I consistently drink water throughout the day and would feel unwell if I didn’t. Older people often don’t drink enough fluids, and dementia can complicate matters further. To make water less boring, there are flavored waters and sparkling waters. Unsweetened varieties are available for those who need to keep their blood sugars in check. Another fun solution are Jelly Drops. Hydrating foods like watermelon count as well, so consider that as a tasty option.

Cooling options in the home: In certain parts of the country, such as where I live in Atlanta and where I used to live in Texas, air conditioning is considered a must-have. That doesn’t mean everyone has AC, or can afford to use it. I hate to hear about cases where older people die from the heat because they were afraid to turn on their air conditioner due to the cost. It’s no joke that AC is expensive to run; there are government programs to help offset some of the costs. Cooling stations exist in some cities during extreme heat waves. Check on your elder loved ones frequently during heat waves and make sure they are living in a situation that is bearable, especially if they are in fragile health.

Adapting favorite activities: If you live in an area that experiences extreme heat, those long and hot sunny days can begin to feel like a prison. This is especially true for loved ones with dementia, who may become restless if their outdoor activities are limited. There are a few things you can do to adapt. One thing I do with my senior dog is take walks early in the morning, where it might be humid but at least the sun isn’t broiling us. There aren’t as many shopping malls as there used to be, but if you still have one in your area, walking around the air conditioned mall can be a nice indoor activity on a hot day. My parents used to do this for exercise. Some recreation facilities have indoor walking tracks; swimming pools could be another option to cool off. Instead of hitting the golf course on a dangerously hot day, consider an indoor golf simulator facility like Topgolf. Museums offer a stimulating activity in a cool environment.

Caregivers should learn the signs of heat-related health issues so they can spot them quickly in those they care for and seek timely treatment.

I admit I dread the summers, because of the oppressive heat and the mosquitoes. But what I do enjoy about summer is the extended daylight and iced coffee. If you are not a fan of summer, try to find one thing to enjoy: maybe it’s an ice cream cone or a dip in the swimming pool. Hopefully you can share some of these simple joys with your elder loved ones you care for, and make happy memories this summer season.

Illustration created by ChatGPT.

Leave a comment

Filed under Awareness & Activism

Tagged as , , , , , ,

June 24, 2024 · 8:00 am

Summer is here: Caregiver tips to keep loved ones safe

Summer officially began this week, but here in Atlanta, the heat arrived a month ago. Summer here is brutal and unrelenting and requires one to plan outdoor activities carefully. Humidity brings another level of misery and danger to summer heat waves. Beyond the standard temperature and heat index readings, it’s important to take into consideration heat and humidity with a more accurate measurement such as the wet bulb temperature; check out the readings for major cities.

Whether it’s the broiling triple digit temperatures out west or the oppressive humidity of the south, summer creates multiple challenges for caregivers. Keeping elder loved ones safe both indoors and out during the summer months requires smart planning.

Before a heat wave, check on your elder loved ones and make sure their homes have adequate cooling options. Keep in mind that elders on a tight budget may be reluctant to turn on the air conditioner, but that ill-advised decision could cost them their lives. Energy-efficient air conditioners are now available. Smart thermostats can help you monitor the temperature remotely and adjust if necessary.

Battery-powered handheld fans can offer a mobile form of relief both indoors and outdoors. I find that even with air conditioning, a tabletop fan helps keep the air moving in upper floor bedrooms, where it can get stuffy quickly. In milder climates, such as where my parents lived, oscillating fans may be sufficient to keep rooms comfortable.

Outdoor safety during the summer is multifaceted. Elders are more susceptible to heat, but spending time outdoors for short periods can offer important health benefits. Timing is key: aim for outdoor time in the early morning or in the evening after the sun goes down. For those who garden, wearing protective clothing and a hat is important, as is staying hydrated and taking breaks. These neck fans can help one cool down quickly when doing outdoor activities.

During summer heat waves, staying hydrated is essential. I witnessed my mother suffer the consequences of dehydration and the symptoms resembled dementia. From my experience, it can be difficult to encourage older people and those with dementia to drink enough fluids. These Stanley water bottles come with convenient handles and some models include built-in straws for ease in sipping. For outdoor adventures during the summer, carry hydration drink mix pouches such as Liquid I.V. which offer a quick electrolyte boost.

Mosquitoes aren’t just annoying, but can carry West Nile Virus, which can be deadly in older people. Consider a mosquito repellent device in addition to citronella candles, mosquito-repellent plants and clothing to keep loved ones safe while enjoying their home’s outdoor spaces.

I hope these suggestions help you plan for safe and enjoyable time outdoors this summer with your elder loved ones.

For more, check out my Caregiver Product Recommendations page, with a list of products that I used while caring for my parents.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Image created by Microsoft Copilot.

1 Comment

Filed under Awareness & Activism

Tagged as , , , , ,

June 11, 2022 · 12:11 pm

Reminder about the dangers of extreme heat

Here in Atlanta we are looking at a brutal heat wave, with temperatures expected to be in the mid-90s for the next couple of weeks. Summer begins officially on June 21, but in some parts of the country it has arrived early.

It’s important this time of year to check in on elder loved ones and neighbors. No one should be dying of heat exposure in their homes in our modern times, yet each year, heat-attributed deaths occur. Those at greater risk include elders, those with pre-existing health conditions and those in public or institutional housing which may not have adequate air conditioning.

I would note another factor, which may be the most tragic of all. Some elders may have air conditioning, but are afraid to turn it on because of the cost. That’s why it’s important to check in and make sure your elder loved one’s homes are adequately cooled. Fans may not be enough in areas experiencing a prolonged spell of extreme heat. Check with local officials to see if public cooling stations are available.

The National Institute on Aging offers tips and resources on hot weather safety for older adults.

Leave a comment

Filed under Awareness & Activism

Tagged as , , , , , ,

July 3, 2021 · 11:35 am

Watermelon babies

I was enjoying some watermelon this morning and it reminded me of a funny story from my mother’s childhood. The family was gathered around, enjoying slices of watermelon when one of my mother’s older siblings warned the others to be careful not to swallow a watermelon seed, otherwise they’d grow a watermelon baby inside their tummy.

While the rest of the family got the joke, my mother did not. She began to worry that she had accidentally swallowed a watermelon seed. She became upset enough that she went to her mother who set the record straight and assured her there were no dangers of melon babies. Nowadays, kids could just Google it or ask Alexa.

The extreme and unusual heat wave that struck parts of the U.S. and Canada recently serves as a reminder to check in on our elder loved ones and make sure they have sufficient relief from the summer heat. Here in the Deep South, we tend to take air conditioning as a standard necessity, but other parts of the country that typically have moderate summer temperatures don’t always have AC units. I learned that the hard way at my parents’ condo in New Mexico. Even with a modern, high-powered fan, it was miserable. While it was merely uncomfortable for me, for those who are older or with certain health conditions, the heat can be life-threatening.

I hope you have a peaceful and pleasant Fourth of July and get to spend time with loved ones.

Leave a comment

Filed under Memories

Tagged as , , , ,

June 25, 2020 · 7:14 pm

Keep your elder loved ones safe this summer

summer sun

xusenru/Pixabay

Summer is here, and while outdoor activities remain in flux due to the coronavirus pandemic, now is a good time to make sure you have your summer safety plan in place.

Every year, several hundred people die from extreme heat, according to the CDC, and the majority of victims are older. Increased heat sensitivity and risks associated with chronic health conditions and prescription medications make older adults more prone to heat-related issues.

Another issue is the lack of air conditioning. My parents’ condo did not have air conditioning, and while summers in their mountain community were generally mild, there were heat waves that would send temperatures soaring into the high 80s and low 90s. After they had passed, I spent a week or so there during one of those heat waves and even with a new fan that I bought, it was very uncomfortable. But what may be uncomfortable for someone younger can be dangerous or even deadly for those over 65 or in poor health.

Even more heartbreaking, some older people on a fixed budget fear the high utility bills associated with running an air conditioner, so even though they have one, they don’t use it.

Here are some things to consider as a caregiver when preparing your elder loved ones for the summer heat:

  • What are their cooling options at home? Are they adequate? Keep in mind that with coronavirus restrictions, cooling stations that some depend upon in their community may be closed. Have an alternative plan if it becomes too hot for your loved one to stay in their home.
  • Exercise is still important. Try to arrange walks or other outdoor activities in the early morning or evening hours, when it’s not quite as hot. Keep outdoor activities brief and make sure to bring water so your loved one stays hydrated. Focus on indoor activities like yoga or dancing to keep older adults active.
  • Provide shade: If possible, provide a shady spot for your loved one to spend time outdoors at home. Make sure elders wear breathable, light-colored clothing and wear a hat when outdoors.
  • Hydration is key: I found it was tough to get my parents to drink water. It is crucial that older people drink enough water, especially during the summer. Dehydration can occur more quickly than you think and have serious health consequences. Consider adding a lime or lemon slice to sparkling or still water to make it more interesting, or make a pitcher of unsweetened herbal iced tea to encourage extra fluid consumption.

 

Leave a comment

Filed under Awareness & Activism

Tagged as , , , , ,