Soak up summer with your loved one while keeping them safe

Summer is in full swing. School’s out, vacations are finally here, and days are getting longer and
warmer. As a family caregiver of a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia, though, you don’t
get a summer break. You can still have fun if you involve the whole family in caring for your
loved one by finding things to do together. That way everyone gets to enjoy the bliss of summer.
There are plenty of ways to enjoy the warm weather, but it’s very important to ensure your loved
one does not get overheated. Before heading outdoors, we recommend reading a helpful article
published online by the National Institute on Aging (NIH): “Hot Weather Safety for Older Adults.”
You’ll find excellent information about warning signs and precautions. Here are a few important
points from the article:
Key points to remember about hot weather safety
Older people can have a tougher time dealing with heat and humidity. The temperature inside or
outside does not have to be high to put them at risk for a heat-related illness.
Headache, confusion, dizziness, or nausea could be a sign of a heat-related illness. Go to the
doctor or to an emergency room to find out if you need treatment.
To keep heat-related illnesses from becoming a dangerous heat stroke, remember to:
1. Get out of the sun and into a cool, ideally air-conditioned place.
2. Drink fluids but avoid alcohol and caffeine.
3. Shower, bathe, or sponge off with cool water.
4. Lie down and rest.
Keep activities simple and leisurely and weave them into the normal routine. Provide a change
of scenery while keeping your loved one in the air-conditioning, such as enjoying an ice cream
at an indoor venue, visiting a local library or cultural center or museum.
If you do venture outside, earlier in the day is best to avoid dehydration and heat exhaustion. Be
sure to regularly apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher. Make sure you
both drink plenty of water before, during and after your outing. Drinks that contain electrolytes
are also recommended. Perhaps find a local park with plenty of shade for a short nature walk. If
you’re looking for something more intentional, try a breakfast picnic under a shelter house. Is
there a local landmark that has meaning for your loved one? Even a drive-by gets you both out
of the house and offers a special connection.
Summer weather brings its own challenges, but it also provides numerous opportunities for
connection, joy and enrichment. Activities outside the home can boost everyone’s moods. By
prioritizing safety first and getting the whole family involved, you can help bring back the fun of
summer for your loved one and create moments they’ll enjoy in the present and you’ll cherish
for a lifetime.