Visting Elderly Relatives During the Summer
The summer is filled with the warm sun, hot temperatures and plenty of fun events that you can attend throughout these months. However, for the older generation, the summertime is often the time of year that they dread the most for a variety of reasons. Just a few of the reasons why so many older people hate the summer can include:
- The hot temperatures makes it difficult to breathe and go outside
- They may not have the proper air conditioning or ventilation where they live
- Due to health conditions, they may not be able to stay in the sun for too long
If you have concerns about your elderly relatives during the summer, there are several details that you should be on the lookout for during each visit such as:
- Make sure that they are drinking plenty of water.
Drinking plenty of water during the summer should be a cornerstone for any person, no matter what their age, young or old. If you find that during your visit, your elderly loved one is not drinking enough water, you should also be on the lookout for signs of dehydration as this is something that could be potentially dangerous during the summer months. In addition, if they prefer drinking bottled water instead of tap water, you can always offer to pick some up on your way over.
- Recognize the signs of heat exhaustion.
Whether you are visiting your elderly loved one at home or plan to take them out for the day, it is imperative that you understand the signs of possible heat exhaustion which can include tiredness, fainting, headache, and a rapid heartbeat. If your loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is critical that you find a cool spot, have them drink water and if the signs do not ease, call for emergency help.
- Be conscious of medications.
There are many people, whether they are older or not, who cannot be outside in the sun for extended periods of time due to the medication that they are on. Therefore, it is important that you be conscious of this when making plans for the summer. While it may seem fun to get your loved one out and about, the reality is that this is something that could ultimately prove to do more harm than good. Also, do not forget that if you do go out with your elderly loved one, make sure to apply and bring sunscreen with you to protect everyone from the harsh UV rays.
- Confirm that air conditioners are working properly.
One of the best things that you can do is to check the air conditioning of your loved one during each visit. It is possible that the filter may need to be cleaned or that the unit may not be working properly which can result in some discomfort for your loved one.
As part of your visit and care, if your elderly loved one does not have an estate plan in place, you can always mention that it would be a great idea to get in touch with our office. We have extensive experience in helping families with older family members put together an estate plan that will ensure that their assets are distributed in the way that they want, and all their final wishes are met. Get in touch with us today to book an appointment. Call Wilson Law PLC at 866-603-5976 to set up a meeting or fill out our contact form and we will call you to schedule your meeting.
