Sun Safety: With the weather heating up, the sun is going to be out more often and for longer.
If you are taking care of your elderly loved one, it is important to know that they might not remember to practice sun safety. However, there are some things that you can do to help your elderly loved one to stay safe while outside in the sunshine.
Minimize Their Exposure
It is great for your elderly loved ones to get outside more often. They can get fresh air and enjoy the outdoors. However, it is important that they limit their exposure to the sun. There are many ways that this can be done. Some of the ways to minimize sun exposure include the following:
- Find shady areas outdoors
- Don’t spend too much time near glass, water, or sand (the sunlight will reflect on the skin)
These are two of the things that you and senior care providers should make sure your elderly loved one is doing when outdoors.
Cover Their Head
You and the senior care providers should also make sure your elderly loved one is covering their head when they are outside. They can wear a big hat, sunglasses, or other protective materials. Some elderly people walk around with an umbrella. The point of this is to block the sun from directly hitting one’s skin. Find out what your elderly loved one feels best doing and remind them to take those protective measures for good sun safety.
Wearing Sunscreen
Your elderly loved one needs to wear sunscreen, as well. The sunscreen should be 15 to 20 SPF or higher. The SPF is the amount of time that the sunscreen will keep the skin safe. If your elderly loved one puts this on every 2 hours that they are outdoors, it can continue protecting their skin.
Going to a Dermatologist
If your elderly loved one has any concerns about their skin, they should see a dermatologist. The dermatologist can check out any skin changes or other skin concerns. If there is a problem, they will make a plan to take care of it.
Sun Safety: Conclusion
Practicing sun safety is extremely important. However, many elderly people don’t remember to do these things. They may head outside or to town and forget their sunscreen or protective items. You and senior care providers can remind your elderly loved ones to use these things.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Care Services in Avondale, AZ, please contact the caring staff at Blessings for Seniors Companion Care at (623) 594-0819
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Blessings for Seniors makes it possible for older adults to enjoy the comforts of their own home for as long as possible. We offer a customized care plan that includes services such as; Hourly Senior Home Care, 24-Hour Home Care, Dementia Care, Personal Care and Companion Care. Also ask us about our Veterans’ Home Care program.
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