Fun In The Sun With A Little Preparation!
By Kate Granigan

Marshfield - Whether you are a Grandparent planning a trip with your grandchildren, a “Sandwich Generation” caregiver trying for a multi-generational summer trip, or an active senior taking a summer tour, there are considerations that you should take to be sure that your time is as the best it can be.

As we age our body’s ability to use its natural cooling system changes too. Seniors are more susceptible to the effects of heat as their bodies return to normal slowly and their body’s cooling mechanism is not as efficient as younger people. Also, some medications may cause increased sun sensitivity. It is important to know this so that sun exposure can be limited if necessary.

It is also important to remember that if you are traveling with someone with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, their ability to self monitor for heat, dehydration or thirst may be affected by the disease. It is up to you as caregiver to monitor and manage this.

There are many activities that can be fun for all ages if a few considerations are kept in mind:

- Engage in outdoor activities early in the day when it is cooler.

- Find shaded areas wherever possible to cut down on direct sun exposure.

- Stay hydrated and drink water regularly, before you are thirsty. Seniors often resist drinking excessive
    liquids as they do not want to have to use the bathroom frequently. Be sure to have awareness of where
    the facilities are so that this does not become an issue.

- Be sure to use sun screen on both children and seniors, especially if there is a heat or sun sensitive
   medication being used.

- Find activities indoors in cool air-conditioned areas such as libraries, malls, or museums if the
   temperature is too high.

If you are a caregiver and need a vacation with your family but can not leave your loved one alone, there are options for you as well. Many Assisted Living Residences or Skilled Nursing Facilities offer respite or short term stays for this purpose.

Your loved one can move into a fully furnished room and get three meals a day and social activities while you are away.

Additionally, you can hire a Geriatric Care Manager to be your “stand in” while you travel so that you can have peace of mind knowing that your loved one is safe and cared for.

Having someone to answer calls from your loved one in case of emergency, or just to check in, being sure that the air conditioner is working and that the tree limb down from a summer thunderstorm are dealt with quickly can make all the difference in a much needed vacation for family.

So whatever your circumstances are, with a few simple tips you can get out there and have some fun this summer!

About The Author
Kate Granigan, LICSW is the Executive Director of C.A.R.E, LLC a private geriatric care management practice serving elders throughout Massachusetts. She can be reached at (781) 837-744 or on the web at www.care-elderspecialist.com.