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We pride ourselves here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care (Bethlehem) for helping more than our residents and their families. We take great pride in helping you, our neighbors here in Bethlehem who lovingly provide at-home assisted living and/or memory care services to your loved ones. Trust us, we know your challenges and consider you all heroes for your selfless and loving investment to family. Since we’ve officially entered the summer season, let’s address senior safety during periods of high heat.

Seniors are especially at risk in high heat situations. Large stretches of the USA are experiencing extreme temperatures at the moment. Caregivers need to check on the elderly. If you live in another city, lovingly devise a plan for a relative or other local person to check on your loved one.

Does an elderly person live in your neighborhood? Go knock on the door and ask how things are going. Do NOT accept the first answer. We all want to say, “OH, I’m ok, don’t worry.” The person may not realize they are suffering from heat exhaustion. Invite them into air conditioning, offer to take them to some air-conditioned setting. Sit in a hospital waiting room. Anything to get out of the heat for a while. Ask a senior to become an overnight guest.

Top Ten Tips on Keeping Seniors Safe in Summer Heat

1. Drink plenty of liquids — eight or more 8-ounce glasses per day and or fruit juices — every day to stay hydrated.
2. Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages.
3. Dress appropriately. Wear loose-fitting clothes in natural fabrics like cotton and dress in light colors that will reflect the sun and heat instead of darker colors that will attract them.
4. Sunblock. When outdoors, protect your skin from damage by wearing hats, sunglasses and a sunscreen of 30 SPF or more.
5. Stay indoors during extreme heat.
6. Air Conditioning. If you do not have air conditioning in your apartment, go somewhere that does. A movie theater, the mall, a friend or relative’s home or a community senior center are all good options.
7. Avoid Extreme Outdoor Heat. If you need to get out of the house and don’t drive a car, call a taxi, a friend or a transportation service. Do NOT wait outside for the bus in extreme heat.
8. Cool Shower or Bath. If you are absolutely unable to leave the house and do not have air conditioning, take a cool bath or shower to lower your body temperature on extremely hot days.
9. Keep Home Cool. Temperatures inside the home should not exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit for prolonged periods of time.
10. Signs of Heat Stroke. Know the signs of heat stroke (e.g flushed face, high body temperature, headache, nausea, rapid pulse, dizziness and confusion) and take immediate action if you feel them coming on.

Seniors need and deserve your special attention. We pride ourselves in pampering our dear residents with the special care and love they so rightfully deserve. To learn more about our approach to professional assisted living and professional memory care services, call us anytime!