Freedom Home Care Offers Seniors Summertime Safety Tips
Freedom Home Care is looking out for seniors' safety this summer. Regardless of physical fitness levels, adults over 65 are at higher risk for heatstroke, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and other effects that could be detrimental to their health due to the naturally poorer circulation and less effective sweating that comes with aging. Additionally, medical conditions like heart disease and Dementia as well as many medicines, including those for Parkinson's Disease, can compound the existing risks.
The many simple ways to combat these risks start with spending time in air conditioning and changing the furnace filter to assure fresh, cool air. Although poor circulation in older adults can cause chilliness, try not to grab a sweater and instead opt for lightweight clothing in light colors that won't absorb heat. If there is no air conditioning, encourage seniors to spend 2-3 hours each day in an air-conditioned environment like a movie theatre, mall, or library.
If you do choose to brace the outdoor heat, be sure they stay hydrated by drinking water. They may be tastier, but iced tea, soda, and other sugary drinks won't help cool them down as efficiently. Also, be sure to also keep a portable fan and mister in hand while outside as a quick cool-down option.
As a caregiver, be sure to stay with your loved ones at all times. It may seem harmless standing outside alone waiting for a car or bus, but it actually can take a large toll on the body and put even the healthiest older adults in unforeseen danger. Regardless if they are indoors or outside in the summer sun, your caregiver should always be there to watch for signs of heatstroke or confusion and keep seniors both safe and comfortable at all times.
For more information on summertime safety or Freedom Home Care, visit freedomhomecare.net.
ABOUT FREEDOM HOME CARE
Founded in 1996, Freedom Home Care is one of the leading and most respected home care agencies in the North Shore and throughout the Chicago area. With over 20 years of service and a team of over 1,000 professional and compassionate caregivers, Freedom Home Care provides in-home care options to fit the needs of any client. From full-time live-in care to flexible hourly assistance, Freedom offers services to allow clients the freedom of being at home.
Watch for the expansion of Freedom Home Care as they open in Lake Forest, IL, summer 2018. Servicing their strong ties to the Lake Forest Community with the opening of the Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital, and their partnership with the Lake Forest Senior Center, the newly remodeled space will offer families and their loved ones a beautiful, comfortable, homelike environment to meet with staff to discuss their needs.
The new Lake Forest facility will open this summer at 289 E Deerpath Road, Lake Forest, IL. Freedom Home Care's main office is located at 1749 Green Bay Road in Highland Park. For more information, contact (847) 433-5788 or visit www.freedomhomecare.net.