Happy 4th of July!!!
Did you know it's the country's 244th birthday? That's right! Back on this day in 1776, our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence and established that we were no longer subject to British rule. We typically celebrate this independence with fireworks, parades, fairs, picnics, baseball games, and many other ceremonies.
The 4th of July is a wonderful time to spend with family and friends, but let's remember some celebrations can be difficult for our elderly patients. Here are some tips to help keep everyone safe:
No matter what you do on this Independence Day, take a moment to think about all our patients that continue to live independently through the in-home services we provide. That, in itself, is worth celebrating!
The 4th of July is a wonderful time to spend with family and friends, but let's remember some celebrations can be difficult for our elderly patients. Here are some tips to help keep everyone safe:
- Shield seniors from sun exposure. Excessive sun exposure is dangerous for everyone, but it poses an especially high risk for elderly adults. Find a shady spot!
- Offer a retreat from the heat. Even when seniors are kept out of the sun, they’re still at significant risk for heat stroke. When enjoying the outdoors on a hot summer day, it’s important that seniors keep cool and keep hydrated. If possible, make sure that patients have access to an air-conditioned indoor area where they can go if they are feeling overheated.
- Don't push patients past their limits. Many seniors don’t have the energy for day-long celebrations the way you do. So, it’s important that older adults have the chance to take it easy and have quiet time if they need to recuperate. Make sure to bring any mobility aids that patients may require.
No matter what you do on this Independence Day, take a moment to think about all our patients that continue to live independently through the in-home services we provide. That, in itself, is worth celebrating!
Source: WalletHub