Tips to care for yourself this summer
Though a lot of the time you’d be hard pressed to tell, summer is indeed here.
Severe weather brings with it an elevated level of concern for the vulnerable – an issue Pure Homecare take great care in accommodating. While winter threatens the health with sharp temperature drops and utility strains, summer takes a similarly brutal approach with soaring heat and hay fever.
Those most vulnerable to extreme weather include…
- The old and young (Over 75s and very young children)
- Sufferers of mobility problems
- Sufferers of extreme mental health issues
- Sufferers of chronic health conditions including heart and respiratory issues
- Heavy alcohol and drug users
- Sufferers of eating disorders
Here are Pure Homecare’s five tips for vulnerable domestic care this summer…
- First of all, the ideal MAX temperature for the home should be around 18 to 21 Celsius; anything higher than this is only going to promote health issues. Invest in strong electric fans to place in high risk areas where the vulnerable person spends most their time, while not an all out solution to extreme heat, they do help provide a calm breeze.
- Be sure to stock up on nutritious savoury foods that can be eaten cold such as fresh meats, salads, eggs and health yogurts. Ice cubes should also be kept on a consistent top up to cool down drinks and for use in medical situations. The hottest period of the day tends to come between 11am and 3pm. If the person you are caring for struggles to maintain their usual routine within these hours, we advise allowing them to nap or rest in a cool, shaded area.
- When it comes to promoting shade indoors, avoid using metallic blinds and dark shaded curtains as these will only conduct further heat. Invest in light coloured curtains and reflective materials that don’t completely obscure light but will protect from direct sunlight. Keeping a steady ventilated flow around the house is essential though be mindful of any security risks the open ground floor windows may present.
- For those particularly sticky periods, running a cool bath or shower followed by a home-made juice ice pop should provide ample relief! As for the ice pop idea, don’t be scared of experimenting by freezing fresh juices in lolly shapes – this can be quite a fun collaborative effort too!
- Last but not least, wear loose, light clothing that doesn’t promote heat (black t shirts and trousers for example) and make sure hats are worn when out in direct sunlight.
Of course, Pure Homecare also offer a personalised 1 to 1 care package aimed towards the vulnerable and elderly. We cater for all adults over the age of 18 and we understand that during the hotter seasons, such help may become an increasing concern for loved ones.
