We are in the heat of summer. Most families have children home from colleges and schools…a time to have short or long trips and also a time to just enjoy the great outdoor. How about aging parents and grandparents?
What are your aging parents up to during the summer months? Most of our elderly parents and neighbors are living in older homes probably by themselves without the luxury of visits from children and grandchildren. They may be living in the heat without a proper working air condition system or their budget may not allow the convenience of an air condition unit.
How can children of aging parents or neighbor’s to the elderly help prevent them from heat stroke or dehydration?
Here are three simple tips to help you care for your aging parents and enjoy the summer:
Air conditioning unit: Older homes usually do not have a central air conditioning system. The most economical air conditioning units are the removable units installed on windows. Visit your aging parents and find out what their needs are for cooling.
The window units are the easiest to install especially if they have double hung windows. Most importantly, know the square footage of the room that you want to install the unit before you set out to buy one.
According to Good House Keeping Magazine, air conditioners use British Thermal Units (BTUs) which refers to the cooling power of the air conditioner. Generally, a 500 square feet space needs a 12,000 BTU unit.
Window units are cheaper than whole house air conditioning. You may be able to get one for less than $500. This simple solution can prevent heat stroke this summer.
Liquid intake: Summer is a time we sweat most and dehydration might occur more frequently. According to WebMD, dehydration occurs when the loss of body fluids, mostly water, exceeds the amount that is taken in.
The lack of water intake may result in palpitations, confusion, weakness or dizziness.
There are many studies on how much liquid is enough for the body. Will 8 cups a day be enough for our aging parents? WebMD has this to say:
Approximately 80% of our water intake comes from drinking water and other beverages, and the other 20% comes from food. Assuming these percentages are accurate for most of us, the recommended amount of beverages, including water, would be approximately 9 cups for women and 12.5 cups for men.(Includes the liquid from fruits and vegetables).
Have your elderly parents forgotten their needed liquid intake? Do you have someone who calls them when you are busy with work and children?
Vehicle maintenance: Your elderly parents’ vehicle may also face challenges during the summer months. With the heat, comes the need for a proper working cooling unit for their vehicle. When was the last time they got it checked?
Can you imagine your aging parents driving in a hot afternoon to your Uncle Joe’s house 50 miles away and the vehicle’s air conditioning stops working?
This situation happens…a little help from you on the car maintenance comes a long way for their comfort and safety.
We, at Keeping in Touch Solutions, can help you keep in touch with your aging parents when you can’t. We fill in the gap. Are your aging parents in need of someone to keep in touch with them daily?
We’re here for you. Please call us to find out our services at 1800-788-1280 or visit us at Keeping in Touch Solutions.
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Diana Beam is an entrepreneur with a vision and a heart for the elderly. She has more than 30 years of experience as a teacher, long term care administrator, home health care pioneer, senior real estate specialist and owner of Keeping in Touch Solutions. Her passion is to see working women and men with elderly parents set free from guilt of not having time or proximity to their aging parents and helping the elderly with their aging needs and transition challenges. Diana lives in Indiana with her husband Ron and they have 3 grown children, 2 grandsons and a golden retriever named Hope and a calico cat named Ms Dottie. Grab her free report, 7 ways to provide maximum support to your parents, today. If you’d like to learn more about Diana and how she helps elderly clients through Keeping in Touch Solutions, check out her website at www.
Many working adults, especially the sandwiched and boomers generation feel stuck! In between raising children who are going to college, a career change or midlife crisis and at the same time having aging parents who are signaling for help.
Diana Beam is an entrepreneur with a vision and a heart for the elderly. She has more than 30 years of experience as a teacher, long term care administrator, home health care pioneer, senior real estate specialist and owner of Keeping in Touch Solutions. Her passion is to see working women and men with elderly parents set free from guilt of not having time or proximity to their aging parents and helping the elderly with their aging needs and transition challenges. Diana lives in Indiana with her husband Ron and they have 3 grown children, 2 grandsons and a golden retriever named Hope and a calico cat named Ms Dottie. Grab her free report, 7 ways to provide maximum support to your parents, today. If you’d like to learn more about Diana and how she helps elderly clients through Keeping in Touch Solutions, check out her website at 
