Going to the beach is a great way to beat the heat. Many seniors enjoy going to the beach, either with family on vacation or with a senior home care provider for the day. Getting some sun sitting on the beach, looking for shells, and swimming in the cool water are all fun summer activities.
But, seniors need to be very careful when they go to the beach. Too much sun, strong waves, and other hazards can cause seniors to get sick or become injured. Seniors should never go in the water alone. Go with a family member or a senior home care provider to prevent any falls or other problems in the water.
In order to be safe at the beach seniors should also:
Senior Home Care Rahway NJ – Beach Safety Tips For Seniors Going On Vacation
Know Your Limits
Seniors should be aware of their physical abilities and limitations when it comes to swimming. Seniors that aren’t strong swimmers or who have health concerns that may impact their ability to swim should stay in shallow water near the shore or not swim. Seniors who have balance issues should be very careful of waves because they could easily fall over or be knocked over.
Check Weather and Water Conditions
Before heading to the beach, check weather forecasts and water conditions. Avoid swimming in rough waters or during severe weather conditions, such as storms or high tides.
Swim in Designated Areas
Always swim in designated swimming areas, where lifeguards are present, and the water is actively monitored for safety. Lifeguards can quickly respond to emergencies and provide assistance if needed. It’s also a good idea to have a senior home care provider or family member near at all times.
Use Floatation Devices
Seniors that aren’t very comfortable in the water or who aren’t confident in their swimming abilities should use floatation devices such as life jackets or swim noodles for added support and safety while in the water. Seniors with mobility challenges should always wear a life jacket in case they fall over in the water.
Apply Sunscreen
Protect your skin from harmful UV rays by applying sunscreen with at least SPF 30 before going to the beach and reapplying regularly, especially after swimming. Make sure to reapply the sunscreen often throughout the day.
Stay Hydrated
Spending time in the sun and water can lead to dehydration. Seniors should drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated, even if they don’t feel thirsty. Sports drinks can help replenish electrolytes lost through sweating. But seniors should stick to water or sports drinks. S
Wear Protective Gear
Seniors should always wear a wide-brimmed sunhat, sunglasses, and lightweight, breathable clothing that provides sun protection. This can help prevent sunburn and heat exhaustion.
Be Cautious of Sand
Walking on uneven and soft surfaces like sand can be challenging for seniors, especially those with mobility issues. Take care when walking on the beach and use walking aids if necessary.
Wear Water Shoes
Wearing water shoes can protect your feet from sharp rocks, shells, or hot sand and provide better stability when walking on wet surfaces.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Senior Home Care Services in Rahway NJ, call the caring staff at Helping Hands Home Care today at 908-418-4299.
After graduating from Seton Hall University with a BS in finance Helping Hands Homecare’s Owner / President, Robert D’Arienzo, went to work on Wall St. for six years. However, after Robert’s grandmother became ill with stomach cancer Robert and his family needed to find assistance in the home for her. After many trials and tribulations Robert could see that there was a great need for quality home care services here in NJ and loved the idea of being able to assist other families who were going through what his family went through with his beloved grandmother.
Thus, Robert had found his passion. After almost a year of preparation Robert opened Helping Hands Homecare in 2003. Robert wanted Helping Hands Homecare to focus on providing the highest quality of caregivers, exceptional customer service, and providing a service that familys could depend on in their time of need. Since then Helping Hands has assisted hundreds of individuals with the simplest of needs to more complex cases while preserving those standards set out many years ago.
Robert is a Google Verified Author
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