Welcome to Alicia’s monthly advice column where she’ll provide tips on caring for a loved one with dementia. Alicia Seaver is the Director of Memory Care at Bridges® by EPOCH and a certified memory impairment specialist. This month’s topic is summer safety.
Summer is finally here, which means it’s time to hit the pool, park and your neighborhood barbecues. While many of us love the longer, warmer days, the season also brings a higher risk for heat-related illness and dehydration, as well as stress and disorientation resulting from loud, crowded events, particularly for people living with dementia. Maximize your loved one’s fun this summer by taking the following safety precautions:
Seniors and the Sun
Seniors are more sensitive to the intense summer rays. Chronic medical conditions can alter how their bodies respond to heat, and prescription medicines can prevent their bodies from perspiring when needed. Ensure that your loved one dresses appropriately and applies sunscreen before venturing outdoors, and talk with their doctor about potential side effects of any medications they take.
Summer Clothing
Since decision-making can be difficult for people with dementia, put away winter clothes once the summer season hits and replace them with lighter options that still provide coverage from the sun. Examples of appropriate summer clothing include a hat with a large brim, sunglasses and light-colored clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. You may also want to keep a light sweater or jacket in their closet for chillier summer evenings.
Heat Illness
Even when dressed appropriately, heat illness can still occur. Avoid spending time outside from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.,the hottest hours of the day. At a picnic, pool or other outdoor venues, let your loved one sit under the shade of an umbrella or tree, and check in with them often. Make sure sunscreen is reapplied every two hours and keep a cool drink within arm’s reach so they don’t forget to hydrate.
It’s also important to educate yourself on the symptoms of heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat cramps often occur at night and cause the legs, arms and stomach muscles to spasm. To prevent cramps ahead of time, ensure your loved one gets enough electrolytes throughout the day. Good sources include Gatorade, bananas or dissolvable electrolyte tablets.
Heat exhaustion occurs after spending too much time in a hot, humid climate. Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, elevated body temperature and pale, clammy skin. If you notice these signs, get your loved one to cool place immediately and encourage them to drink water, take a cool shower or bath, and rest. If heat exposure continues, heat exhaustion can turn into heat stroke, which can be life threatening. If your loved has a rapid heartbeat, cannot breathe easily and their temperature rises above 103 degrees, seek medical help right away.
Outdoor Activities
Since large crowds and loud noises can be overwhelming and stressful for your loved one, be mindful while attending summer events and watch for signs of discomfort. Consider watching fireworks or parades from inside or on TV. Limit time spent at family reunions since your loved one may get frustrated if they cannot remember names and faces. Use the buddy system at large venues like the ballpark or amusement parks so your loved one doesn’t wander off, and never let your loved one swim unsupervised.
Summer Fun
Share your knowledge about the season’s dangers with family members and friends to make your loved one’s safety a team effort. With a bit of preparation and precaution, you can safely enjoy the outdoors with the entire family!
If there is a topic you would like Alicia to discuss, please send suggestions to [email protected].