Home Care in Davis CA: Did You Know June is Great Outdoors Month? Tips for Protecting Your Elderly Loved One
June is Great Outdoors Month. As a family caregiver, this is an exceptional time for you to think about ways that you can shake up your parent’s routine, get them out of the house, and enjoy making meaningful memories enjoying the fresh air and great outdoors together. This can give your senior extra physical activity, boost their mental and emotional health, and give them a fantastic opportunity to spend more quality time with the rest of the family. As with anything in your care journey, however, it is very important that you keep in mind the potential dangers of outdoor activities and take steps to protect your senior, and the rest of your family, so that everyone can make the most of these fun summertime activities together.
Use these tips to help you protect your elderly loved one during Great Outdoors Month:
- Remember sun protection. No matter what you are doing outside, even if you are going to be in the shade for the majority of the time, make sure that your parent uses appropriate sun protection. This includes putting sunscreen on at least 30 minutes before leaving the home and wearing sunglasses with UV protection to guard their eyes.
- Protect from pests. No one likes bug bites, but they can be particularly dangerous for elderly adults. If your senior gets a bug bite they might scratch or rub at it, possibly opening their skin and making them vulnerable to infection. Protect your senior from these pests by applying bug spray both to exposed skin and to clothing. Remember that mosquitos and ticks are attracted to dark colors and can get into clothing, so treat the skin and each layer of clothing if you are going to be in high grass or wooded areas.
- Bring comfort and safety supplies. When packing for your outdoor adventure, make sure that you bring along supplies that will help to keep your parent safe and healthy throughout the experience. This includes non-perishable food, water, a first aid kit, and a communication device for emergencies. Consider bringing instant cold packs with you that you can use to quickly bring down your parent’s body temperature if they get overheated..
Starting home care for your aging parent can be one of the best decisions that you can make for them throughout the course of your caregiver journey with them. Whether you live at a distance from your parent or have a busy schedule and are unable to be with your senior as often as you would like to be, or you are able to be with them frequently but have a few limitations, this in-home senior care services provider can work with you to create a customized schedule that is right for your loved one’s needs. This includes creating a highly personalized set of services designed to address your parent’s individual needs, challenges, and limitations, as well as to support as much activity, engagement, and independence as possible as they age in place. Through services such as safe and reliable transportation, companionship, and physical assistance, this care provider can help your loved one to achieve and maintain a more fulfilling quality of life throughout this new chapter.
If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Davis, CA, please contact the caring staff at ApexCare®. Proudly Serving Sacramento, Yolo, Placer & El Dorado Counties. Call Today 916-924-9111.