Summer has arrived in Maryland and the next months are a great opportunity for older adults and their caregivers to go out in nature, travel, and experience all the wonderful things that the warm weather has to offer. It is important to keep in mind that the arrival of hot weather can pose unique health and safety risks to older adults. Each year, many are hospitalized due to health problems caused by high heat and humidity. Below are some important summer safety tips for family caregivers.

• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Seniors, and people with health conditions may not feel thirsty and can become easily dehydrated. Have fluids available, and remind your loved one to drink. Just plain water is great, but decaffeinated iced tea, juice and milk are also appealing. Change it up with fruit-infused water – add berries or sliced strawberries, lemons, limes, cucumbers or herbs like mint to a pitcher of water. Refrigerate for four hours or overnight.

• Use sunscreen, hats and other sun protection: On bright, sunny days, it can be hard to resist the chance to get outside and soak up some vitamin D. Before heading outdoors, always take care to make sure your senior loved one is protected from sun exposure. Carry broad-spectrum, high-SPF sunscreen with you at all times, and help your elderly loved one apply it before going out. Also, make sure that they refresh their sunscreen as the day goes on. You can also help your senior loved one protect themselves by encouraging them to wear sunglasses, a shady sun hat, along with breathable, warm-weather apparel.

• Turn up the air: When the weather turns hot and humid, air conditioning is an important part of keeping seniors cool. If your aging loved one's home doesn't have air conditioning, plan on spending time in a cooler location. Take a trip to the movies, head to the library, or visit a friend.

• Check in: When the thermometer rises, make sure to check in with elderly relatives – particularly if they don’t have air conditioning. If you aren’t nearby, ask a reliable friend or neighbor to check on your behalf.

• Doublecheck medications: Seniors take many medications, some of which can have side effects caused by sun. Be sure to review your loved one's medication and/or check in with a member of his/her healthcare team if you have any questions.

• Know the signs: Understanding and watching for the signs of heat stroke can help you ensure that your loved one will get the care he or she needs. Dry skin, confusion, fatigue, headache, lethargy, rapid pulse and nausea are signs of heat stroke and require prompt medical attention.

Check out the CDC guide on signs and symptoms of heat related illness:

www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining/UserFiles/works/pdfs/2024-100.pdf