June ushers in the summer season, which means kids are out of school, the sun is shining bright, and many families use this time to travel. If you are caring for an aging loved one, the summer may not necessarily involve you traveling or doing outdoors activities. But this fact does not mean you and your loved one cannot enjoy the beneficial aspects the summer can bring. In this month's Newsletter, we will share some ways family caregivers can prepare themselves and their loved ones for the summer, as well as participate in what the month of June has to offer.

 

(1) Safety First! Summers usually mean some extreme heat. This past decade, the world has seen some of its hottest temperatures on record. Thus, it is important to consider you and your family's safety. In essence, try to reduce you and your loved one's exposure to high temperatures during the summer as it can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. For example, if you want to take your loved one outside, do so in the morning or in the afternoon, when the temperatures are somewhat cooler than they are at noontime, when the sun is high in the sky. Additionally, make sure to apply sunscreen when you go outside to protect against sunburn. Lastly, make sure you and your family remain well-hydrated. Drink at least 64 oz. of water per day, and make sure to always have water on hand when you are outside.

 

(2) Encourage the Family to Visit Your Loved One: If you are a family caregiver, chances are you are also juggling other responsibilities like managing a family or caring for a child. If this is the case, then try to encourage your family to visit your loved one, especially if your loved one is cooped up inside the house for most days. For example, the month of June usually means that many kids are off of school. Many aging individuals love to spend time with their grandchildren. If you have a child, try to bring them with you so they can say hello to their grandparent(s). Not only is this a great way to foster a relationship between grandchildren and their grandparents, but it can be a huge emotional and psychological benefit for your loved one, especially if they do not get to interact with people that much.

 

(3) Celebrate Father's Day: If you are caring for an aging father, try to prepare something special for them this Father's Day. Whether that means throwing them a party or finding a gift to celebrate their role in your life.

 

(4) P lan Wisely for Travels: Traveling with an aging loved one can be somewhat difficult. This difficulty can be compounded if your loved one is living with a degenerative neurological disorder. The important things to remember are to make transitions easy, plan out your travels in careful detail, and make sure you locate necessary health resources at your travel destinations. In essence, try to minimize the stresses of traveling for your loved one by ensuring you can go from point A to point B and then from point B to point C with ease. One of the stresses of traveling can be the often confusing or disorienting parts of it, like at crowded airports. The more you can confidently navigate the various terrains during your travels, the less overwhelmed your loved one is likely to feel.

 

Above all, we hope that you can enjoy the summer and the fun this season can often bring. Spend time with those you love. Lastly, know that we are here for you!

We've carefully selected these blogs because they're actively working to educate, inspire, and empower their readers with frequent updates and high-quality information. 

The Alzheimer's Association estimates that this brain disease affects nearly  6 million people in the United States alone. It can affect anyone at any age, but most people are around 65 years old at onset.

It's been said that when you meet a person with  Alzheimer's or  dementia, you've only met oneperson with Alzheimer's or dementia. That's because symptoms reveal themselves differently in different people. No two people who develop Alzheimer's follow the same path.

But whatever your journey with Alzheimer's or dementia looks like - whether you have it or you know someone who does - you're not alone. Online resources like ElderCare at Home's blog, offer a wealth of knowledge and support.