Preparing Your Aging Loved One for Summer Months

As the warm Texas summer months approach, it’s important that you consider the needs of your aging loved one and find ways to offer them support during the season. Senior Living Specialists wanted to compile some of the strategies you can use to help your loved one comfortably navigate the summer months.

One of the most crucial ways to help is by ensuring they stay hydrated. Encourage your loved one to drink an ample amount of water throughout the day and provide easily accessible beverages. Remind them of the importance of staying hydrated, especially in hot weather. If they struggle with proper water consumption, there are multiple smart water bottles on the market that offer reminders to them to refill or drink more water.

In addition to hydration, offering assistance with errands can lessen the chances of overexposure to high temperatures that your aging loved one can experience during the summer. If you notice a particularly hot day in the forecast, run their errands for them so they avoid intense heat. This can include grocery shopping, picking up medications, or any other necessary tasks that can be physically taxing in high temperatures.

If your loved one is still living alone, it is vital that you check in on them regularly. Make phone calls, send text messages, or visit them in person to ensure they’re doing well and see if they need any support. Some aging adults might not realize there are issues with their air conditioner and try to “tough it out”. You can also setup some smart monitoring technologies to keep tabs on their current living conditions (i.e., smart thermostats).

Encourage indoor activities to keep them engaged and entertained during the hottest parts of the day. Reading together, doing puzzles, playing board games, or organizing movie marathons can provide enjoyable pastimes that don’t involve exposure to excessive heat.

Sun protection is another factor to consider when caring for your aging loved one. Remind them to wear sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing when they go outside. Offer to help apply sunscreen on areas that may be difficult for them to reach.

Encourage healthy eating by providing nutritious and refreshing meals and snacks. Focus on hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables with high water content. You can offer assistance with meal planning if you have the bandwidth or many assisted living facilities will have prepared meals with balanced nutrition.

By taking these factors into consideration, you can prepare your aging loved one for the coming summer months. The Texas heat is no laughing matter and being prepared for it will make those summer months more manageable for your loved one.

Your care, attention, and support contribute to their overall well-being, ensuring they can enjoy the season while staying safe, comfortable, and connected.