Staying Safe During Spring and Summer

Now that spring is on its way, colourful flowers are finally beginning to bloom, mornings are getting lighter and the weather is beginning to get warmer. Naturally, we all want to enjoy the joys of spring and summer. However, it’s important to think about how we can take care of our elderly loved ones during the warmer seasons. Below we share a few top tips on staying safe this spring and summer.

Staying safe in the sun

While hot weather may currently seem like a distant dream, it is important to be prepared for when the sun does make its appearance. Last year was the UK’s joint hottest summer on record, and who knows what this Summer has in store.

 

●    Keep hydrated. Drinking plenty of water is very important in order to keep hydrated and healthy. Remember, too much sugar can contribute to dehydration, which is why it is advised to stick to water over fizzy drinks and coffees. If you are taking an elderly person out for a day in the sun, remember to make sure that you always have water on hand and a way to shade them during the hottest hours of the day.

 

●    Use suncream. Even when it’s cloudy, using sun cream to protect your skin is extremely important. You should always carry sun cream with you that has an SPF of 30 to 50 - and remember, it is essential for people of all ages, not just the young. Sun cream should always be applied liberally and topped up every couple of hours (sooner if the weather is very hot or you’re in water).

 

●    Dress suitably. In order to remain comfortable in warm weather, it is important to dress appropriately. Dark clothing will absorb the sun’s hot rays which is why it is best to opt for light colours and fabrics. Stay away from tight and heavy clothing- dressing in layers allows you to easily remove or add clothing to stay cool or warm.

Staying safe in the garden

Gardening can be therapeutic, fun and soothing- especially on a warm sunny day, but it can also pose some risks for older people with limited mobility. Follow these tips to ensure that you stay safe in the garden:

 

●    Stay in the shade during the hottest hours. The sun is at its hottest during the middle of the day- from around midday to 4pm. While this may seem like the best time to get on with the gardening, try to garden in the morning or the evening to keep cool.

 

●    Use a vertical garden. Constantly bending over to tend to the plants can be difficult and uncomfortable. Instead, consider using a vertical garden- you can sit on a stool or stand to do your gardening.

 

●    Keep a phone handy. Those who struggle with mobility should always keep a phone handy when gardening, just in case they ever need to call for help or need assistance in the garden.

 

It is important to remember that staying safe in your home is equally as important. At Alfix Stairlifts, we offer a range of stairlifts to ensure that you can move freely up and down your stairs and are able to enjoy all areas of your home. For more information about our stairlifts, visit our website today.