Summer Vacations and Aging Loved Ones

By Bob Brueckman, Owner

The summer months are abundant with sunshine, warm weather, time spent in the great outdoors, and for many, additional family time and long-awaited family vacations are in store before the kids head back to school.

If you are a caregiver of an aging loved one, there are some important things to consider regarding his or her safety during the sweltering days of summer. People 65 and older are more prone to heat-related illnesses and injuries for several reasons they are more likely to suffer from a chronic medical condition that changes the body's normal response to heat; their bodies are often unable to adjust to dramatic temperature changes; and the elderly are more apt to take prescription medications that affect the body's ability to control its temperature.

It is important to make sure that your loved one stays properly hydrated dehydration can lead to numerous medical issues, including increased confusion, disorientation and UTIs. Additionally, older people are encouraged to stay in air-conditioned environments as much as possible, but when venturing outside, it's best to wear lightweight, lightly colored and loose-fitting clothing.

It is important to remember that increased travel can be challenging for someone with mobility issues and especially for a person with cognitive impairments related to Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. These changes to his or her daily routine may result in anxiety, challenging behaviors and a greater risk for wandering off or falling.

You may want to consider respite services, which would still allow you to have time away for rest and relaxation, without the worry of changing your loved one's daily routine and familiar surroundings. Respite services are available in many forms and can be customized to meet a caregiver's and/or a patient's individual needs. Some respite services span several days or weeks while family caregivers are out of town, others are utilized for just a few hours each day or week. Additionally, respite can be provided in the home by home care organizations or in long-term care or assisted living facilities, depending on the desired services and time frame.

Home care services can be customized to your loved one's needs perhaps a couple of hours of assistance in the mornings and/or evenings would be sufficient, or he or she may require care and supervision for the bulk of the day depending on physical and cognitive functionality.

When looking for home care services, it's important to research the companies in your area there are a number of online resources available for finding eldercare services or talk to friends or coworkers who may have been in similar situations and pursue services that best meet the individual needs of your loved one and your family. It's also important to find caregivers with whom you feel comfortable to care for your loved one people who you feel comfortable having in his or her home and someone who keeps your loved one's safety, security and overall well-being top of mind.