Do you and your family enjoy the arrival of summer, with longer days, cherished moments with senior loved ones, tasty cookouts, and refreshing swims at the pool or beach? Summer indeed brings a lot of fun, but along with a good time for all family members, everyone needs to be vigilant about a potential hazard in Florida. Especially when it comes to the soaring temperatures, our aging parents and other senior family members are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, and can be at risk.
Keeping our beloved aging parents and senior family members safe during the summer months is paramount, and while heat is a significant concern, it is not the only one we need to address. To help aging parents and seniors fully enjoy the summertime with their families, we have some essential summer safety tips right here in our blog.
Be sure that your aging parents and senior family members can beat the heat. Be sure that aging parents and senior family members have access to air conditioning or fans to keep their living spaces cool. If they lack air conditioning at home, suggest visiting public places with cooling systems, such as shopping malls or community centers, during the hottest parts of the day. Limit outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Encourage your aging parents and senior family members to schedule outdoor ventures in the cooler morning or evening hours. When they are outside, guide them to find shaded areas or use umbrellas to protect themselves from direct sunlight, reducing the risk of sunburn and overheating.
Be sure that your aging parents and senior family members are managing their medications. Be especially mindful about medication management and inquire about any prescriptions that may increase sensitivity to the sun or affect hydration levels. Be sure your aging parents and senior family members are aware of these effects and consult their healthcare provider if necessary. Offering assistance with pill organization or pharmacy delivery can be a valuable support.
Be sure that your aging parents and senior family members have a plan and are prepared for a hurricane. Summertime in Florida means it is the hurricane season, and it is essential to have discussions about evacuation plans with your aging parents and senior loved ones. Consider options like relocation to a family member’s home in a different area and identify the person in charge of evacuation, should it become necessary.
Be sure to check that your aging parents and senior family members have completed their estate and elder law planning and that it is up-to-date. Do your aging parents and senior loved ones have an estate plan? What about an elder law plan? Are they planning to address long-term care right now? It is important for you to verify that your aging parents and senior family members have designated a person to act on their behalf in case of incapacity or a crisis. Be sure this person is aware of their nomination and willing to fulfill the role. Additionally, make sure there is a comprehensive Florida estate plan in place, which plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of your aging parents and senior family members throughout the year.
We know this article raises more questions than it answers and we want to help you. We provide expert service to guide you through the medical, financial, and emotional stress of caring for an aging parent or spouse. Our law firm was born out of the personal journey of Attorney H. Frances Reaves as she cared for her own parents. This experience taught her that most seniors in the United States are ignored by society, the government, business and, sadly, their children. Most children of elderly parents don’t know how many benefits and resources are available for their parents or ailing family members. Let us help you. We encourage you to contact us and schedule a meeting.