Record heat has families making ‘Summer Survival Kits’ for seniors
July, 2010 – For most of us, record summer heat means little more than higher cooling bills and more time at the pool – but for aging seniors living on their own, the consequences are far more serious. The National Climactic Data Center reports the Northeast had its warmest March, April and May in history. A stagnant June heat wave brought records for both high temperatures and total days above 90 degrees for a third of the country, stretching from Missouri to New York to the Southeast. The summer heat is already taking its toll, and this is just the start of the season.
That’s why the senior care experts from Senior Helpers, the nation’s fastest growing in-home senior care provider, are advising families to protect aging relatives by putting together a simple Senior Summer Survival Kit. These kits are an easy, inexpensive way to make sure elderly loved ones have what they need to stay safe and comfortable during hot summer days – especially when family members may be off on vacation.
“Whether seniors are traveling themselves or staying on their own while the rest of the family is out of town, it’s absolutely vital that aging family members have the resources to be safe, happy and healthy,” says Peter Ross, CEO and co-founder of Senior Helpers. “Seniors are far more susceptible to health problems related to summer heat than any other demographic. Taking the time to prepare one of these kits to make sure loved ones have the essentials they need can make all the difference in preventing a serious situation.”
Quick Facts – Why is Heat Dangerous for Seniors?
- The amount of water retained by the body decreases substantially with age.
- As a result, seniors are at far greater risk of heat-related health problems such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, severe sunburn and dehydration.
- Over 8,000 Americans have died as a result of heat-related afflictions during the past two decades, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
What’s in the ‘Senior Summer Survival Kit?’
- Reusable water bottle to maintain hydration
- Copies of all prescriptions and health insurance cards
- Phone numbers of health care providers and information concerning chronic health problems
- Sunscreen, at least SPF 30, to prevent serious burns
- Multivitamins to keep the immune systems strong
- Battery operated/hand-held fan in case of power outages and extreme heat
The Senior Summer Survival Kit can be easily purchased and assembled for under $25 in less than 15 minutes.
“Most heat-related issues for seniors can be avoided through simple planning and precaution,” Ross says. “When it’s unbearably hot outside for you and your kids, it’s downright dangerous for seniors. Take a few minutes and make sure that mom, dad and any other senior family members have everything they need to be safe this summer. A few minutes of planning and a quick trip to the drug store can make all the difference.”
Media Contact: Jack Hoffman, (732) 993-6991, JHoffman@seniorhelpers.com
For more information about Senior Helpers, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/3409
# # #
About Senior Helpers:
Senior Helpers provides many in- home, caregiving services for the elderly in Bridgewater, Edison, Piscataway, Hillsborough, Somerset, Somerville and neighboring towns. We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.
If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Somerset, Mercer, Hunterdon, Warren or W. Middlesex Counties, NJ, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references. In home health care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you. For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/3409.
Filed under: assistance elderly care, elder care Alzheimer's, elder care assisted living, elder care dementia, home care elderly, Uncategorized | Tagged: adult day care, Alzheimer’s Care in Central NEW JERSEY (NJ), assisted living facilities, caregiver, caregiver in Central NEW JERSEY (NJ), dementia care in Central NEW JERSEY (NJ), elder care in Central NEW JERSEY (NJ), elder care resources, elderly care, elderly companion, elderly companionship, elderly home care, home care, home care in Central NEW JERSEY (NJ), home health care in Central NEW JERSEY (NJ), hospice, in-home care in Central NEW JERSEY (NJ), in-home caregiver, long term care, non-medical home care, non-medical home care in Central NEW JERSEY (NJ), nursing homes, respite care, retirement, senior care, Senior Helpers Senior Care in Central NEW JERSEY (NJ), senior home care in Central NEW JERSEY (NJ), senior home care services in Central NEW JERSEY (NJ), senior services, senior services in Central NEW JERSEY (NJ), senior-related | Leave a comment »