After a dreary and cold winter, the summertime feels like a breath of fresh air. The long days, the flip-flops, and the ice cream are probably the best parts! For seniors, the summertime is an enjoyable time to get out of their homes and socialize in more temperate conditions. However, as caregivers, it is important to watch out for potential hazards that may disrupt your loved ones’ fun day out! Here are our top tips for maintaining safety at summer picnics.
Remaining Hydrated
On hot days, it is easier to sweat out and lose more water from your body. Whilst having fun, it may be easy to forget to hydrate. However, if your loved ones do not receive enough fluids, they may become dehydrated. This can cause headaches and in serious cases, seniors may even faint. Hence, ensuring that they’re receiving sufficient fluids can help to reduce the risk of dehydration so that your fun day out does not have any unexpected surprises!
Sun Protection
With age, the risk of skin cancer can increase exponentially. It becomes more important than ever to ensure that your loved one is well-protected from the sun. When you go out, ensure that your loved one has applied sufficient sunblock. If possible, advise them to put on sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to double up as protection against the sun. Remember to constantly apply sunscreen as the effectiveness of the sunblock wears out due to sweat.
Applying Insect Repellant
Though most types of insect bites are irritating but not dangerous, certain types of bites may result in serious infections for seniors. Remember to always aid your loved ones in either applying a mosquito patch or insect repellant to exposed skin. For additional precautions, your loved ones can wear long-sleeved attires to decrease the risk of mosquito bites.
Staying Cautious Against Foodborne Diseases
The best part about picnics is the food! Higher temperatures become more ideal environments for the growth of bacteria. Due to their compromised immune system, seniors are more susceptible to falling ill. If you’re bringing cooked food to the picnic, ensure that you don’t let it sit out for too long. Refrain from bringing foods that need to be refrigerated, such as meats and dairy products, as the temperatures during the picnic may not be ideal for these food items.
Picnics can be a great way to enjoy the summer months. However, it is important to be alert so that your loved ones remain safe whilst having fun.
If you need additional assistance with caregiving, we are at your service! At Rittenhouse Village At Portage, we can provide round-the-clock attention for your loved ones if you feel that caregiving is becoming an increasingly challenging task for you. Our team has years of experience so you can be assured that your loved one is in good hands with us. With our many carefully thought-out activities, your loved one is sure to have an enriching time in our retirement community!