Many of us look forward to the summer with anticipation. We’re excited to spend more time outside and expect to be more active than during the cold winter months. But, for seniors, summer brings its own set of warm weather hazards. Keeping seniors safe in the summer requires being vigilant about things like heat, sun, and insects. Below are some tips to keep your aging relative safe this summer.
Drink Plenty of Liquids
One of the changes the body undergoes as it ages is that it contains less fluids than when it was younger. This means that older adults are more likely to become dehydrated. To avoid dehydration, make sure your older family member drinks plenty of liquids. Water, of course, is the best choice. But, delicious summer drinks like lemonade, iced tea, and infused water are also good choices.
Turn on the AC
If the senior has air conditioning, they should use it on hot days. Although many seniors worry about the cost of running the air conditioner, high temperatures can be dangerous. If they do not have air conditioning and fans are not enough to keep the house cool, consider going on an outing to someplace air conditioned, like the library, a movie theater, or a shopping mall. If the cost of using air conditioning puts a strain on the older adult’s finances, the federal government does have a program to help low-income individuals with their energy bills. The name of the program is Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP.
Avoid Sunburn
Sunburn is not only painful, but it also increases the risk for skin cancer. Older adults should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen when they go outside. They should also wear long sleeved, light colored clothing to increase protection from the sun. Staying in the shade as much as possible can help, too.
Use Insect Repellant
Mosquito bites leave itchy bumps on the skin. Since the skin of older adults is thinner, it is more likely to tear if they scratch at the bites, putting them at risk for infection. Before going outside, apply insect repellant that is at least 20 percent DEET. This kind of insect repellant also offers protection from ticks and other kinds of insects.
If you worry about your aging relative’s safety during the summer heat, home care can help. Home care providers can make certain the senior’s house doesn’t get too hot. When the temperature is dangerously high, a home care provider can take the older adult on an outing where there is air conditioning. Additionally, they can provide cold drinks throughout the day and remind the senior to drink. Home care providers can also assist with applying sunscreen and insect repellant.
Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/symptoms-causes/syc-20354086
https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/older-adults-heat.html
https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/programs/liheap
https://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/prevention-guidelines
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/avoid-bug-bites
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/expert-answers/thin-skin/faq-20057753
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Home Care Services in Weddington NC, please call the caring staff at BlueDot Cares today, (704) 586-9248.
Jimmy Clonaris is Managing Partner at BlueDot Cares, where he oversees operations, caregiver standards, and service delivery for in-home care across the organization. With more than 19 years of experience in healthcare and over a decade with BlueDot, he has been directly involved in building and scaling care programs that support individuals aging at home.
His work focuses on the practical side of care delivery. This includes caregiver training and oversight, care plan consistency, and coordination with families and local healthcare professionals. Jimmy is actively involved in ensuring that care is not only well-structured on paper, but executed reliably in the home.
Over the course of his career, he has worked with thousands of families navigating care decisions, from short-term recovery support to long-term in-home care. His approach is grounded in clear communication, accountability, and building systems that allow caregivers to deliver consistent, high-quality support.
Under his leadership, BlueDot Cares has grown to support tens of thousands of families while maintaining a locally operated, relationship-driven model. He continues to focus on strengthening the team, improving care standards, and ensuring families have a dependable partner when care is needed.
