First Day of Summer Homecare Tips
Homecare Norwalk CT
June 20th is the first day of summer. While your parent is thinking about all of the fun and exciting ways that they can enjoy this action-packed season with the family, as their caregiver you need to be thinking about their health and safety. Heat safety is one of the most important elements of homecare for a senior during the warmer months of the year. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can occur in a matter of moments, and older adults tend to be more vulnerable to these dangerous issues due to increased risk of dehydration and the fact that many do not detect temperature changes as easily as younger people. Protecting your parent from the heat means that they can enjoy summertime activities with the family or just relaxing at home without being at risk of serious, potentially life-threatening effects of the soaring temperatures.
Use these tips to help keep your aging parent safe and healthy during the hottest months of the year:
• Stay hydrated. Hydration is vital to keep the body functioning normally, including regulating its temperature. Encourage your aging parent to sip cold water throughout the day by giving them a reusable water bottle and filling it with ice water. Discourage excess caffeine consumption as this will actually dehydrate them further.
• Stay inside. Spending time outside during the summer months is a great way to make memories and stay active, but it can put your parent at serious risk. Support their desire to get time out of the house, but retreat back into the cool between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM. This is when the temperatures are highest and the sun is at its most intense.
• Cool quickly. If your parent starts to overheat, it is important that you bring down their body temperature quickly to avoid heat stroke or heat exhaustion. One highly effective way to do this is by pressing a cold pack to the back of their neck. This will rapidly draw heat from the body. Making homemade packs is inexpensive and easy, allowing you to make several and pack them in your cooler for any outings so that they are readily accessible if the heat starts to creep up. Be sure to cover the pack with a shirt or light towel before touching it to the skin to prevent damage.
What You Will Need
- 1 cup of rubbing alcohol
- 2 cups of water
- 1 gallon plastic freezer bags
- A towel
What to Do
- Fill one cup of rubbing alcohol
- Add the alcohol to the freezer bag carefully
- Add 2 cups of water to the freezer bag
- Mix the contents in the bag
- Close the bag most of the way
- Push out as much air as possible without liquid spilling out
- Completely seal the bag
- Place the bag inside a second bag, which will ensure no leakage comes out
- Place the double bags in the freezer
- Allow to freeze for at least one full hour
- Remove from the freezer
- Wrap the ice pack in a thin towel
- Apply the cold to the skin with the towel between, so you do not burn the skin
- Dish soap can also be added to give a gel consistency to the ice pack
When the weather gets hot and your parent is vulnerable to the impact of the heat, sun, and dehydration, a homecare provider can make a tremendous difference in their lives. Having an in homecare provider with them on a daily basis, even if it is just for a few hours to check in on them during the hottest point of the day, ensures that they are safe and cool, and that any potential issues are quickly detected so that you can make the proper decisions regarding their care.