Do you and your family look forward to summer? Do you enjoy the longer days, more time with family and friends, cookouts, and swimming at the pool or beach? However, along with the joys of summer is something we need to be on guard against. That is the excessively high temperatures of the body, especially our seniors, as a result of hours spent in the sun.

Seniors need to be protected from the high heat temperatures. Keeping them safe during the summer months is crucial as they may be more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses but, unfortunately, heat is not the only thing we need to protect them from. What can we do to help them so they can still enjoy the summertime with family? We have 9 summer safety tips to share with you below in our article.

1. Remain hydrated. Encourage the seniors in your family to drink plenty of fluids, even if they are not thirsty. Offer water, fruit juices, and electrolyte-rich drinks. Be sure to avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol intake, because they can contribute to dehydration.

2. Remain cool. Be sure seniors have access to air conditioning or fans to keep their living space cool. If they don't have air conditioning, suggest visiting public places with air conditioning, such as shopping malls or community centers, during the hottest parts of the day.

3. Dress for summertime. Encourage seniors to wear loose, lightweight clothing made of breathable fabrics like cotton. Hats and sunglasses can also help protect them from the sun.

4. Absolutely limit outdoor activities and stay in the shade. Advise elders to avoid being outdoors during the hottest hours of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Encourage them to schedule outdoor activities in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler. If seniors must be outside, suggest finding shaded areas or using umbrellas to protect them from direct sunlight. This can help reduce the risk of sunburn and overheating.

5. Help manage prescriptions and be sure to check on medications. In fact, some medications can increase sensitivity to the sun or affect hydration levels. Be sure that seniors are aware of these effects and consult their healthcare provider if necessary. Beyond increased sensitivity, do you know if your aging loved ones need help managing medications? Check in and ask if they need help such as a pill organizer, talking to their doctor about the number of prescriptions, or even working with a local pharmacy that will deliver medications.

7. Hurricane preparedness and safety. With the summer comes hurricane season. Although none of us want to think that a storm could hit this year, there is always a possibility. Have you discussed evacuation plans? Is relocation to a family in a different area possible? What would need to happen and who is in charge of evacuation should it become necessary?

8. Stay connected with the seniors in your family. Regularly check in on seniors, especially those who live alone. Ensure they have a way to contact someone in case of an emergency and provide them with important phone numbers, such as their healthcare provider and local emergency services.

9. Ensure Florida advance directives and Florida estate planning is current. Who can act for the senior if he or she is incapacitated or there is a crisis? Does this person know they have been nominated to serve in this role? Can he or she do it? Is there a Florida estate plan in place or is it time to complete this critical task? A completed estate plan can play a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of seniors during the summertime and throughout the year.

We know this article may raise more questions than it answers. Do not wait to contact our law practice to learn more today. We encourage you to contact us and schedule a meeting. To learn more about Meloro Law and how we can help you when you need legal representation for estate planning or elder law issues do not wait to call us today.

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