Skip to main content

4 Tips to Protect Your Loved One from the Sun

Now that it is summer, the sun is stronger than ever. If you are outside for too long, you can be a victim to sunburn, heatstroke, or sun-related health conditions. Those over the age of 65 have a higher chance of suffering health problems relating to too much heat or sun exposure. Visiting Angels Punta Gorda is a senior care center that offers advice on how you can protect your elderly loved one from the sun’s rays.

The Importance of Sunscreen

The older that people get, the thinner their skin gets because of the decline of water and fat in their skin. The thinner their skin is, the more difficult it is to block UVA and UVB rays. So, sunscreen becomes increasingly more important as people age. There are a variety of sunscreens but the best one to block UVA and UVB rays would be any broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Regardless of which sunscreen you choose for your loved one, make sure to apply it before leaving the house. It is recommended to apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before heading outside; furthermore, it should be reapplied at least every 2 hours while you and your elderly loved one are still outside.

Cover Up from the Rays

When going outside make sure your aging loved one has protective clothes. Some examples of clothes include long sleeve shirts, pants, and a hat. You might be thinking, wouldn’t it be too hot to wear all that in the summer? Just make sure that your loved one’s clothes are made of breathable and moisture-wicking material and they should be comfortable.

Visiting Angels recommends dressing your elderly loved one in protective clothes because it is the easiest way to shield them from the sun’s rays. There is no need to reapply a product, they will be able to relax in their clothes and shades.

Plan the Day Around the Sun

During the hot months, the best time to be outside would be early in the morning, as the sun is setting, or at night. When planning out you and your loved one’s activities for the day, make sure to consider what time of day you will be outside. The higher the sun is in the sky, the hotter it will be. If you want to spend some time outside, make sure to go out before or after the sun is at its peak in the sky.

You and your aging loved one can spend some time indoors while the sun is at its strongest. You can watch a movie or play some games. Then when the sun is setting, feel free to head outside. The UVA and UVB rays will be weaker and the heat will also be less intense.

Remember to Stay Hydrated

Not only does our skin get thinner as we age, but our thirst sensation also dulls. Visiting Angels explains how your loved one might not realize that they are dehydrated because they do not feel thirsty. Make sure that your aging loved one is drinking the recommended 6-8 cups of water a day to combat the heat outside. Water will help with the heat; plus, it is great for their overall health.

A Visiting Angels caregiver will happily protect your loved one from the sun and help them with the rest of their needs throughout the summer. Visiting Angels Punta Gorda is here to provide in-home assistance whenever you or your loved one need help.
Labels:
Location: Punta Gorda, FL, USA

Popular posts from this blog

Dental Hygiene

Photo by Kampus Production from Pexels Seniors should try their best to take care of their health as they age. While seniors do address their mental and physical health, they sometimes neglect their oral health. Visiting Angels Punta Gorda discusses a couple of ways seniors can care for their oral health. First, Visiting Angels addressed the most commonly talked about advice. For example, a senior should do their best to brush their teeth twice a day. A senior should also keep an eye on the type of brush they are using. A soft bristled brush is for the best because a hard bristle brush can do more harm than good. Furthermore, a senior should try their best to floss at least once a day. Flossing can remove harmful buildup between the teeth. To read the full article, you may visit how often seniors should floss and other dental hygiene reminders .
Read more

Mistakes When Caring for Aging Parents

Photo by Mikhail Nilov from Pexels Are you caring for a senior loved one? If you are, you probably want to do your best to provide your loved one with the care they need. As you get ready to tackle your caregiver responsibilities, keep in mind these mistakes you should avoid making. Visiting Angels Punta Gorda points out how family caregivers tend to gloss over the communication aspect of caregiving. While you are providing your senior loved one with assistance, that does not mean that you do not need to take their thoughts and opinions into consideration. In other words, while you are caring for your loved one, make sure you are setting some time aside to communicate with them. Listen to what your aging loved one has to say and try to be considerate of their thoughts and feelings. After all, your loved one is still their own person. To read the full article, you may visit four common mistakes to avoid with your aging parents .
Read more

When Your Aging Loved One Refuses Help

We all know how hard it can be to see a loved one age. As they give up on hobbies and downsize due to their physical limitations, it can be disheartening. Despite their life becoming more complicated, when you offer to help, they may refuse. They may even completely refuse to admit that they need help in the first place. By witnessing them struggle with relatively simple tasks and not being able to help, it can be quite troubling for you and your family to just sit idly by. When you have a loved one who refuses to admit that they need help at home, Visiting Angels Punta Gorda shares some insights on how to approach the conversation:                    “Chances are that once you’ve expressed your concerns, your aging loved one will be eager to end the conversation. They probably are already aware of their need for help, and your confrontation only makes it public now. Give them time to process what you’ve said before moving forward with a plan. Wait a couple of weeks before
Read more