Summer is in full swing, and as you’re enjoying the beautiful weather, it’s important to remember to practice safety. Seniors are especially vulnerable to the heat; factors such as a decreased ability to notice changes in body temperature, medications that contribute to dehydration and underlying health conditions can all make a day in the sun more dangerous.

Fortunately, following a few simple precautions are all it takes to have a fun, safe summer. Keep reading for a few guidelines on sun safety for seniors.

1. Pay Attention to the Heat Index

When deciding whether you’re going to venture outdoors, it’s the heat index that you need to watch. A 75-degree morning can feel significantly hotter if there is a lot of moisture in the air. Because the humidity impairs the body’s ability to cool itself by sweating, a senior can become overheated more quickly.

The heat index takes into account the both the temperature and the humidity level, giving you a more accurate picture of whether you can safely stay outdoors for an extended period of time.

2. Drink Water

Seniors who are dealing with a chronic illness, such as a heart or kidney disease or a blood circulation condition, may already have a difficult time maintaining the proper level of hydration. In addition to this, many blood pressure medications, as well as some that are used to control diabetes, often act as diuretics. These health-related factors may cause seniors to be particularly susceptible to dehydration. To prevent dehydration while enjoying warm weather, be sure to drink plenty of water. Once the body reaches a certain point of dehydration, it’s increasingly difficult to replenish lost fluids. Take a proactive approach by encouraging your senior loved one to drink nonalcoholic and caffeine-free beverages throughout the day, even if they are not feeling thirsty.

3. Seek Out Air Conditioning

For seniors that live in a home without air conditioning, summer can be especially uncomfortable and dangerous. During the hottest times of the day, seek out an air conditioned environment. Your local library, an indoor shopping mall or an adult day service center provide wonderful places to relax and beat the heat.

4. Be Wise with Outdoor Activity

If summertime is synonymous with long walks in the sun, hours of gardening and afternoons of lounging on a beach, then it may be time to make some changes. Encourage your senior loved one to avoid exercise and other strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, usually between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. If necessary, guide them in dressing appropriately for the weather by wearing loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing.

5. Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illness

The early signs of heat exhaustion, which may proceed heat stroke, include tiredness, excessive sweating, dizziness, headaches, muscle cramps and crankiness. As heat exhaustion progresses, you may also see symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or fainting. Heat stroke, which is significantly more serious, can set in as quickly as 15 minutes after the first symptoms of heat exhaustion. If you see symptoms of heat stroke, such as confusion, loss of consciousness or the absence of sweating, seek emergency medical assistance.

By following these five guidelines for practicing caution in the sun, you can help ensure that the summer continues to be safe and enjoyable.

Malnutrition is a prevalent problem among seniors. In fact, it is estimated that in the United States, 3.7 million seniors suffer from inadequate nutrition. Keep reading to learn more about the causes and signs of malnutrition and what you can do to prevent this dangerous condition.

What Causes Malnutrition in Seniors?

When it comes to a lack of nutrition in seniors, poverty plays a significant role. In 2013, half of all Medicare recipients were living off of an income of less than $23,500. The costs of medical care and prescription medications alone may make it difficult to afford anything beyond the barest of necessities. Between modest fixed incomes and small savings accounts, many seniors simply don’t have the resources to support a nourishing diet.

In addition to limited means, there are several other reasons that a senior may not receive adequate nutrition. Factors such as the side effects of certain medications, difficulty chewing and swallowing and a lack of interest in cooking contribute to malnutrition. Changing taste buds and restrictive low sodium, low fat and low sugar diets may simply take the joy from eating.

Dangers of Malnutrition

Unfortunately, the absence of a high quality diet is associated with numerous risks, many of which amplify the health problems already common among older adults. Poor nutrition is associated with unhealthy weight loss, loss of muscle or muscle weakness, a weakened immune system, depression and fatigue. Malnourished seniors also have a greater fall risk, which may interfere with their safety and independence.

Recognizing Malnutrition in Your Senior Loved One

Because the symptoms of malnutrition can mirror the problems that may already present in older adults, identifying them might take a little bit of detective work. If your loved one is living alone, take a few seconds during a visit to discreetly take an inventory of their refrigerator and pantry. Pay attention to any drastic changes in weight, and do your best to keep track of any medications your loved one is taking, as certain medications may cause a loss of appetite.

Caring for a Malnourished Senior

Once you have determined that your loved one is struggling with malnutrition, help him or her seek medical treatment. If possible, visit your loved one during meal times, and keep an eye on their intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats. If there are special dietary needs or considerations that have made it difficult for your senior loved one to enjoy their meals, encourage them to experiment with different herbs and spices to give bland foods a boost in flavor. Make sure that their medical provider is aware of any difficulties with eating. A family doctor or nutritionist can provide guidance for practical ways to incorporate more nutrients while limiting the intake of solid fats, added sugar and processed foods.

If your loved one has difficulty adhering to a healthy diet, assisted living or home care might be appropriate options for them. Whether they have dietary restrictions or difficulty with chewing and swallowing, or they simply lack the ability or desire to plan a menu and prepare their own well-balanced meals, having a caregiver come out to your senior’s residence or transitioning to an assisted living community can help ensure that they receive adequate nutrition. To find out more about our senior care options, contact one of our Sagepoint advisors today.

Moving a loved one to an assisted living community can be a challenging experience. Oftentimes, seniors are leaving the security of a beloved home, the familiarity of longtime neighbors and the feeling of independence. However, once you and your loved one have reached the decision that assisted living will offer them their highest quality of life, it’s important to make sure that the transition goes as smoothly as possible. Keep reading to learn more about helping a loved one transition to assisted living.

Do Your Research

Whether your loved one is looking for a close-knit group home setting or a larger community with more amenities, there is a place where they can feel at home. The first step to ensuring that the transition is as smooth as possible is to find the home environment that will fit your loved one’s current preferences. While both group homes and larger communities offer services like complimentary transportation, home cooked meals and housekeeping and laundry services, they may differ greatly when it comes to things like enrichment programs, social activities and on site amenities. Determine the type of community in which your senior loved one will thrive and feel comfortable.

Making the Move

Once you have found the community that is right for your loved one, it’s time to get them settled into their new home. Tempting though it may be to spend a weekend shopping for their new room or suite, it’s important for them to be surrounded by familiar items. Encourage them to bring their own bedding, a few dishes, pictures and anything else that may make their new living quarters feel like home. When in doubt, bring more than you think they’ll need; they can always pare down later.

Helping Them Engage

Even if your loved one generally prefers solitude, it’s important for them to feel engaged with the community. Starting on the first day, encourage them to get involved with a scheduled activity. In many cases, assisted living communities such as Sagepoint Gardens allow family members join in the fun, so attend a discussion group, a wellness activity or an offsite activity with them. After your initial “push,” it may be easier for your loved one to begin building those connections in a way that feels natural and comfortable to them.

By doing your homework and playing an active role when helping a loved one transition to assisted living, you can ensure that the process is as smooth and enjoyable process.

Are you ready to help your loved one move to an assisted living community but you don’t know where to begin? Contact us today to learn more about our assisted living services and how we can help you and your family. Our friendly and knowledgeable Advisors are ready to assist you in finding the right care for your loved one.