Summer might have been here for a while, but now the sun has finally decided to shine it’s important to consider ways to keep ourselves and our elderly loved one’s safe this season, so we can all make the most of the sunny rays over the next couple of months.

Stay Hydrated

If you are intending to spend some time outside in the sunshine with your elderly relatives, make sure to keep them hydrated and refreshed when you are out and about. Try to carry a water bottle everywhere you go with them this summer to avoid dehydration.

It can be seen as a chore when having to keep on top of your water intake, in fact it can get quite boring and repetitive to drink the same water with no flavour constantly throughout the day.  So why not make it more exciting? Add sliced fruit into your glass or bottle such as: lemon, cucumber or berries.

Pick out a fun water bottle that can keep your liquids nice and cool for many hours as an alternative to a plastic bottle, where your water will reach room temperature in little time. If you find a bottle that is appealing to you then you will feel more inclined to reach for it throughout the day.

Plan Ahead

When travelling outside, think about appropriate times to make your journeys. If you or a loved one are making your way around on a mobility scooter, take into consideration when the sun is at its peak and avoid commuting during harmful rays.

We recommend keeping this in mind and only moving about during temperatures that allow you to stay cool and comfortable, so you can get to where you need to be safely.

Prevent Sun Over-Exposure

Another reason to keep hydrated throughout the day is to avoid heat stroke. It is also important to apply suncream throughout the day to help protect the skin. Aged skin is thinner than it used to be so make sure to protect it with at least factor 30 SPF.

A further precaution you can take is to dress appropriately. A wide- brimmed hat to protect your face, eyes, head, ears and neck.  Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing will also be beneficial when on the move to keep body temperatures cool.

Cool living space

Adjusting your living space during the warmer weather can create a cooler environment. You don’t want to feel too hot and uncomfortable in your home, so making a couple of changes will help.

Using blackout curtains will help keep your room at a lower temperature and sit comfortably whether you use these in your front room to watch the tele without any sun glares and heat circulating the room.

Or in your bedroom to keep the morning sun away, also not allowing the sun to interrupt your eight hours of sleep.

Cooling Devices

Consider using devices such as fans, or a cold damp towel to help regulate your body temperature. You could have a larger fan to keep at home and a mini portable fan to have on the move to contribute to the precautions you have made for your travels outside.

A damp towel helps to lower your body temperature. This is a quick and easy way to cool down on a hot day. The water in the towel evaporates when exposed to air, creating a cooling effect on your skin. This helps regulate your body temperature more effectively.

These are five simple adjustments you can consider this summer to keep safe and comfortable when on the move or in the front room.

Keep these in mind this summer when socialising this summer, if you are looking at what to get up to this summer read one of our previous blogs to see what is happening near you this season. https://www.premiercommunity.co.uk/s/stories/get-socialising-this-summer