Summer Safety Tips for Grand Rapids Assisted Living Residents

As summer rolls into Grand Rapids, it brings with it warm weather, bright sunshine, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. This season offers residents of assisted living communities a chance to enjoy the outdoors and participate in various social activities. However, the summer heat poses unique health risks, especially for seniors. Here are essential safety tips to ensure our residents at Care Cardinal enjoy a safe and enjoyable summer.

Stay Hydrated

Hydration is crucial during the hot summer months. Seniors are more susceptible to dehydration due to physiological changes that come with aging and the potential side effects of medications. We encourage residents to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, even if they don’t feel thirsty. Water is best, but other good options include fruit-infused water, non-caffeinated beverages, and fruits with high water content, like watermelon and cucumbers.

Protect Your Skin

The skin of older adults can be more fragile and prone to sunburns. It is vital to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher whenever spending time outdoors. Hats with wide brims and lightweight, long-sleeved clothing can protect against harmful UV rays. Remember to reapply sunscreen frequently every two hours or more if swimming or sweating.

Keep Cool

Assisted living facilities such as Care Cardinal try their best to ensure that indoor environments remain cool and comfortable to prevent heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heatstroke. On warmer days, portable fans or air conditioning units should be utilized. On extremely hot days, we plan indoor activities in air-conditioned spaces and limit outdoor exposure to cooler parts of the day, such as early mornings and late evenings.

Monitor Air Quality

Summer can bring poor air quality days, especially for areas like Grand Rapids. Poor air quality can worsen respiratory conditions, which are common among seniors. Our staff keeps up with local air quality reports, keeps windows closed, and keeps air filtering systems running on days when the air quality is poor.

Safe Exercise

Regular physical activity is essential, but it’s vital to adjust routines to accommodate the heat during the summer. Light activities such as stretching, yoga, or short walks are encouraged during cooler parts of the day. We always encourage residents to listen to their bodies and rest when needed.

Watch for Bug Bites

Insects are more active in the summer, and bites can lead to infections and other health issues. When outdoors, use insect repellent, and when indoors, use windows with screens to prevent bugs from coming inside.

Plan for Emergencies

At Care Cardinal, we ensure that all staff and residents know the heat emergency protocols. This includes recognizing the signs of heat stroke (such as confusion, rapid pulse, nausea, and headache) and knowing whom to contact in an emergency. Keeping emergency contact lists up-to-date and easily accessible is also crucial.

Contact Us

Summer is a season to enjoy, even in assisted living communities. By taking the necessary precautions and preparing for the season’s challenges, we can ensure that our residents at Care Cardinal in Grand Rapids have a safe, enjoyable, and healthy summer. Let’s embrace the warm weather responsibly! If you are interested in retirement home residency for yourself or a loved one, fill out our online contact form, and we will get back to you shortly.