Heatwave Safety for the Elderly
The summer months bring sunshine, BBQs and long days spent enjoying the outdoors. However, when temperatures soar, it’s important to take care to stay safe in the heat. While we can all feel the effects of a heatwave, it’s particularly important to look out for our elderly loved ones.

As we age, our bodies become less able to regulate temperature, meaning we’re more prone to heat exhaustion and heatstroke. With this in mind, here are some top tips for helping your elderly loved ones stay safe in the heat during a heatwave.

Hydration is Key
Staying hydrated is always important, but it’s particularly crucial during a heatwave. Encourage your elderly loved ones to drink regularly, even if they don’t feel thirsty.
• Make sure they have plenty of water available, at least 6-8 cups per day
• Offer icy cold drinks like smoothies or homemade ice-lollies to make it more pleasant to drink

Keep Cool
When temperatures soar, it’s important to keep cool. Encourage your elderly loved ones to:
• Stay indoors between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is at its strongest
• Keep windows and doors closed during the day, and open them at night to let cool air in
• Use a fan to circulate air (in extreme circumstances use air conditioning)
• Wear light, breathable clothing
• Take cool baths or showers

Check up on them regularly
If you have elderly relatives or neighbours, take the time to check up on them regularly during a heatwave, either in person or over the phone. This can be particularly important for those who live alone, or who are more vulnerable.
• Check in on them once in the morning and once in the evening
• Encourage them to call you if they feel unwell
• Keep an eye out for symptoms of heat exhaustion or heatstroke

Know the Symptoms
Heatstroke can be life-threatening, so knowing its symptoms is crucial. Watch out for:
• Headaches
• Dizziness and confusion
• Nausea or vomiting
• Excessive sweating
• Rapid heartbeat
• Muscle cramps
• Dark urine

If you spot these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, it’s important to act fast:
• Move to a cool place and rest
• Drink plenty of water
• Use a fan or cold compresses to cool down
• Seek medical help if symptoms don’t improve

Stay Safe in the Sun
While it’s important to get some sun for vitamin D, it’s equally important to stay safe in it. Encourage your elderly loved ones to:
• Wear a hat and loose, light clothing
• Use suncream with a high SPF
• Stay in the shade where possible
• Wear sunglasses to protect their eyes

To conclude, heatwaves can be dangerous for everyone, but particularly for the elderly. By taking some simple steps to stay cool, hydrated, and safe in the sun, we can help our elderly loved ones see out the summer in comfort.
WatchOvers.com

Keeping your Elderly Loved One Safe at Home

Introduction

As you get older, it's important to stay safe at home. The risks of falling or becoming ill are greater for seniors than they were when we were younger. If you live alone and have little or no family nearby, this can be especially challenging. You may not realise how much help is available in your community until you start asking questions and talking with people who care about you.

Our WatchOvers blog will give an overview of the types of risks that elderly people face and why it's so important to keep them safe at home as they age.

Maintaining Home Safety

• Check for trip and fall hazards. Make sure that the home is well lit, and consider installing grab bars in the bathroom and kitchen.
• Install assistive devices such as ramps, handrails and other devices to help people with mobility issues get around the house safely.
• Provide an SOS personal emergency alarm, do not wait until an accident happens as it could be too late.

Monitoring for Signs of Illness

• Watch for changes in behaviour.
• Monitor for signs of dehydration or malnutrition.
• Check for signs of depression, which can be a sign that something is wrong with your loved one's health and they may not feel well enough to ask for help.

Staying Connected with Family and Friends

• Encourage elderly to maintain social relationships with family and friends.
• Help elderly stay in touch with family and friends by arranging visits or phone calls, especially if they live alone.
• Encourage the use of technology such as Skype, Facetime or similar services so that they can keep in touch with loved ones from a distance.

Adapting the Home Environment

• Make the home environment easier to navigate.
• Provide adaptive equipment and technology where required. Remember to review their needs on a regular basis.
• Create a safe and secure home environment.

Assistance with Grooming and Hygiene

• Assistance with bathing and dressing.
• Help with personal hygiene and grooming.
• Provide reminders to brush teeth and wash hands – personal alarms can provide these reminders

Managing Medications

• Create a medication schedule.
• Help with pill reminders – personal alarm devices can provide these reminders.
• Keep medications out of reach of children and pets, who may mistake them for sweets or food if they're not stored properly!

Encouraging Exercise and Activity

Encouraging elderly to engage in regular physical activity is an important part of keeping them safe at home. It can be difficult for older adults to find activities that they enjoy, but it's worth the effort. If you know of any family members who might be interested in helping out, ask them if they would like to join your loved one on their morning walk.

Conclusion

So how can you help your elderly loved ones stay safe at home?

• Be aware of the risks and take action to prevent them.
• Keep in mind that there are many resources available to help the elderly live independently, such as personal alarms for the elderly, home care services, adult day care centres and senior living communities.

If you or someone you know needs assistance with caring for an elderly loved one or would like more information about our SOS personal alarms, please got to www.watchovers.com

Caring for your Elderly Loved One

As people age, they require a higher level of care to maintain their physical and mental health. Caring for elderly people can be challenging, but it is essential to ensure they live a comfortable and happy life. In this blog post, we will discuss various ways to care for elderly people and provide them with the love and support they deserve.

1. Communication is Key
One of the most important aspects of caring for elderly people is communication. It is important to talk to them regularly and ask how they are feeling. This can help you identify any health issues they may be experiencing and provide the necessary care.

2. Provide a Safe Environment
Creating a safe environment for elderly people is crucial. This means ensuring that their living space is free of any hazards that could cause them to fall or injure themselves. Installing handrails, non-slip mats, and adequate lighting can help prevent accidents. Where needed provide a suitable personal fall alarm.

3. Encourage Exercise
Physical activity is important for people of all ages, including elderly people. Encourage them to exercise regularly, even if it's just a short walk or gentle stretching. Exercise can help maintain mobility, improve circulation, and boost mood.

4. Ensure Proper Nutrition
Elderly people may have specific dietary needs, and it is important to ensure they receive proper nutrition. Make sure they eat a balanced diet, including fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. Also, monitor their water intake to prevent dehydration.

5. Assist with Daily Tasks
As people age, they may find it difficult to perform daily tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, or personal hygiene. Offering assistance with these tasks can help maintain their independence while ensuring they are safe and comfortable.

6. Provide Social Interaction
Elderly people often experience loneliness and isolation, which can have a negative impact on their mental health. Encourage social interaction, whether it's through regular visits, phone calls, or participation in community activities.

7. Help with Medications
Elderly people may require medication to manage chronic health conditions. Ensure they take their medication as prescribed and assist with refilling prescriptions when necessary.

8. Attend Doctor Appointments
Accompanying elderly people to doctor appointments can help ensure they receive proper medical care. You can help them remember important information discussed during the appointment and ask questions if they are unsure about anything.

9. Offer Emotional Support
Caring for elderly people can be emotionally challenging, and it is important to offer emotional support to both the elderly person and their caregivers. Providing a listening ear, offering words of encouragement, and providing respite care can all be helpful.

10. Consider Professional Caregiving Services
If caring for an elderly person becomes too challenging or time-consuming, consider professional caregiving services. A caregiver can provide additional support, including personal care, meal preparation, medication management, and transportation.

In conclusion, caring for elderly people requires patience, understanding, and compassion. By following these tips, you can provide the love and support necessary to ensure they live a happy and comfortable life.