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Senior Care Summer Safety: It’s More than Beating the Heat

By: Chris Krichten, Executive Director of Risk and Life Safety

There’s really no question about it – summer weather can unpredictable. We’ve seen this nationwide between unprecedented heatwaves, record rains and other natural disasters caused by weather trends. It feels like we are always bracing for the next weather impact. Summertime is supposed to be filled with outdoor gatherings and vacations with the hopes of the perfect 70-degree day with sunshine and blue skies. While that isn’t always the reality of summer weather, there is a lot to consider when you are planning for all weather scenarios, especially when focused on senior care.

Summer safety for seniors is more than hydration and sunscreen. While both are very important, we need to ask ourselves, how are we preserving independence and preventing risks for the seniors in our life in summer – but also year-round?

During this season, let’s take the opportunity to shine some of that sunshine light on some other sneaky safety concerns that impact senior care.

Medication and Sun Sensitivity

Some medications can make the skin more sensitive when exposed to the sun which can lead to rashes, sunburns or other reactions. When considering senior care, be sure to talk to your, or your loved one’s medical provider or pharmacist to understand how medicines can react to the sun and heat. Other medications may cause dehydration and could require increased water intake during the warmer months.

Increased Fall Risks

Staying aware and alert when outdoors is critical in preventing falls. Between uneven sidewalks, slippery surfaces after watering and even gardening tools that may have been left out, there are a lot of hidden tripping hazards that present themselves in the summer months. Senior care can involve making sure shoes are tied properly and mobility aids such as canes and walkers are being used when eager to get outdoors. This added level of stability may just be what you or your loved one need to prevent serious injury.

Awareness of Allergies

Seniors may have stronger reactions to insect bites or allergic reactions because of medications or other conditions they are managing. Keeping an eye on the pollen levels, air quality and UV index can be indicators of senior care to help decide if it is safe to go outside. Additionally, having sunscreen and bug spray on hand is always a good idea.

Emergency Preparedness

No one asks for an emergency, but it’s important to plan for a worst-case scenario. Storms often bring power outages or require evacuations. Items that could be helpful to have on hand such as flashlights and backup batteries for medical devices. FEMA, The American Red Cross, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Aging have specific resources and checklists for senior care during an emergencies.

Mental Health Matters in Senior Care

Loneliness can increase in the summer months when it seems too hot to go outside or family members and friends are travelling. If seniors are not as mobile as they once were, feelings of isolation could lead to changes in mental health. There are many safe summer activities that seniors can participate in such as book clubs, indoor fitness activities and other community programs that get seniors active and engaged.

Staying Mindful of Memory Care

It is especially important during the summer months to be tuned into the senior care needs and experiences of family and friends requiring memory care because of dementia or other forms of memory loss. This population of seniors can get easily disoriented, forget to stay hydrated or wander during unsafe conditions. It is essential that caregivers stay vigilant during the summer months by providing the loved one with memory care supports such as gentle reminders and a cool and comfortable environment. It is also critical to make plans in advance that will prevent accidents and manage behaviors. The Alzheimer’s Association of America provides tips for families, including ways to reduce chances of wandering and how to respond quickly. And if you are planning summer travel with your loved one living with dementia, check out these tips to manage senior care and memory care on vacation.

How Country Meadows Prioritizes Summer Safety

In all of our campus communities, there is an increased focus on senior care and summertime safety for all our residents. From hydration stations positioned at the entrances, to temperature reminders and notices posted on doors, residents and visitors are informed and have access to what they need to stay safe and cool. Additionally, our porches and courtyard areas are shaded to provide a break from the sun. To address any medical complications that may arise as a result of heat, our co-workers are trained in emergency response and are constantly monitoring residents’ health and behaviors.

Summer is a time for fun in the sun, and it can be enjoyed when you and your loved ones are proactively prepared. The benefits of time outdoors and enjoying favorite activities with family and friends have great impact to the physical, emotional and social aspects of senior care. We just ask you keep safety in mind, especially during this time of year.

To learn more and see what summer fun can be like in our communities, schedule a personalized visit or speak with an expert adviser.

DID YOU KNOW

The summer months are a perfect time to try out a senior care home through a respite stay. If you are a caregiver looking to go on a vacation and worry about who will check in on your loved one or how medications will be organized, respite stays provide the family peace-of-mind knowing their loved one is getting the care and support they need. One of our advisors can help you determine if this would be a good short-term summer-time solution for your family.

July 14, 2025

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