We live in one of the most beautiful states this time of year-summer! However, as the heat gets warmer and the outdoor activities increase, summer can present challenges for seniors. Ensuring their safety and comfort, steps must be followed to handle heat, sun exposure, hydration and severe storms. This guide gives a basic overview of what to do during these warmer months and what our facilities do so seniors can thoroughly enjoy the season.

Staying Hydrated-

Dehydration is a major risk for seniors, especially during the warmer summer months, with temperatures at times surpassing 90 degrees. As we age, our bodies’ ability to conserve water and sense of thirst decrease and our kidneys become less efficient in conserving water. Here are a few ways to avoid dehydration:

• Daily Fluid Goal: aim to drink at least 8 cups of fluids. Our team is consistently providing water to our residents, not just at mealtimes and medication passes, but throughout the day. Employees will have water stations that are transferred with them where they go. They are very diligent to provide water to the residents, knowing the risks of dehydration from their extensive training. We also provide fresh water in the common areas for residents to access whenever they’d like. In our Memory Cares, we operate the same way by providing as much water to avoid dehydration. 
• Set a Schedule: drink fluids at regular intervals throughout the day, even if not feeling thirsty. This can be difficult for seniors to do on their own or living at home. Our communities are helpful with this because our team are trained in proper techniques to encourage water intake of the residents. Our clinical team can also add to a resident’s specific care plan the timeframes of ensuring water is consumed by the resident to help them follow a schedule. 
• Incorporate Hydrating Foods: it is important to consume high water concentrated fruits and veggies like cucumbers/watermelon, soups/broths, and smoothies. We incorporate these items into our meals to increase hydration for the residents. Watermelon is a perfect summer snack and has many benefits that help the residents stay hydrated. 
• Accessible Water: keep water within reach throughout the day. As mentioned above, our communities have plenty of fresh water available for residents to stay hydrated. We also have water on the employee’s medication carts to incentivize water consumption and we always provide water to residents for each meal and are constantly checking in with residents throughout the day on the need for water. 
• Flavor Enhancers: add slices of fruit or sugar free flavors to incentivize consumption of water. Our team will add enhancers to water in cases where a resident may refuse plain water to make it more enjoyable for them. It is also nice to add fresh lemons or fruit to the water in our common areas to enjoy and add additional nutrients.
• Monitor Dehydration Symptoms: dry mouth and skin, fatigue, dizziness and confusion, and dark urine. Avoid Dehydrating Drinks such as coffee or alcohol on those hot days where it can be extra dangerous. Our team is trained in monitoring these symptoms and can react as soon as they notice them. Having a nurse onsite or on call 24/7 is beneficial for our communities to ensure residents are not getting dehydrated. It can be dangerous for a senior living alone at home if they don’t recognize these symptoms or consume enough water. Being in a community where caregivers are trained in monitoring that and reminding water consumption is helpful to not become dehydrated and something worse to happen. 

Beat the Heat-

Seniors are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses due to reduced ability to regulate body temperature. Some of these heat-related illnesses are heat exhaustion, heat stroke, hyponatremia, and heat rash. Seniors also have more sensitive skin, so they are more prone to sun damage and sunburn. Here are some tips to stay safe in the heat:

• Stay Indoors During Peak Heat: avoid going outside when the sun’s rays are the strongest, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Our team is helpful with this by encouraging residents to stay inside when it is too hot or if a resident has been outside to bring them inside to avoid any heat related illnesses. Usually, on a hot day, if we see a resident going outside, we will talk to them about the heat outside and the danger it can pose, or we will plan group activities to be inside to encourage them not to go outside. 
• If it is too dangerous for them to be outside, we will help them not go outside. Each entry door is by our communities’ offices so our team is aware when a resident is trying to go outside, or if they use another doorway, our team is alerted through our pager system that a door has been opened. 
• Use Air Conditioning: keep living areas cool with air conditioning or fans. Each apartment in our communities as well throughout each community has air conditioning and fans to keep the living environment safe and comfortable during hot days. 
• Wear Lightweight Clothing: choose loose, light-colored, breathable fabrics. Our team will help dress residents if needed to plan for the temperatures of the day. If a resident is independent and dresses themselves, our team will encourage them to wear lighter clothing because of the high temperatures. 
• Apply Sunscreen: use sunscreen with at least SPF 30, apply every 2 hours. Our team will help residents apply sunscreen if going on a walk or in the sun. Our communities have plenty of shaded areas/patios that residents typically sit beneath.
• Wear Protective Gear: use wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses to block the sun. Again, our team will help encourage wearing this protective gear if a resident is going outside and are helpful to get those items for a resident for them before they go outside. 
• Seek Shade: stay under shade when outside and avoid prolonged sun exposure. Our communities have front patios that residents like to enjoy on warm days. Most of our music is performed on these patios and social hours outside are in the shade. It is not common that we will go outside with the residents that are not shaded. 

Summer Storms-

Severe storms, including thunderstorms, tornadoes, and high winds, pose significant risks during the summer months. Preparing and responding appropriately can protect residents and staff. Below are ways to stay proactive during summer storms:

• Stay Informed: monitor alerts from National Weather Service (NWS) or local news. Our communities have an alert system that will sound when there are severe storms in our area. Our team pays attention to that, the news, their phones and the alarms that may go off in town.
• Follow the Emergency Plans: know the facilities plans and participate in drills. Our team goes through a series of emergency preparedness and drills throughout their training and many times throughout the year. We provide safety video modules, in person training and frequent drills to ensure our team is prepared for when a storm may hit.
• Move to Designated Safe Areas: move to pre-designated safe areas like bathrooms that are away from windows and exterior walls. During a storm, employees will go to each resident’s room in assisted living to encourage them to go into their bathrooms until the coast is clear, in memory care, employees will take the residents into designated areas that have no windows until notice is given. 
• Stay Indoors and Away from Windows: close blinds and avoid windows. Employees will help residents through this. 
• After the Storm: wait for clearance and check in with family. Once things are cleared and the storm has passed, employees will notify each resident that they can leave their designated areas. 

Summer can be a wonderful season for seniors, full of opportunities for outdoor activities and social events. By taking these precautions, seniors can enjoy the warm weather while staying safe and healthy. Encouraging regular hydration, heat management, sun protection, and proactive planning ensures our residents have an enjoyable and secure summer.