As temperatures rise and you spend more time in the sun, safety precautions should be taken to avoid summer health problems. Seniors are at a greater risk for heat exhaustion, sun stroke, sun burns, skin cancer, and dehydration. Therefore, it is crucial to make your wellbeing a priority by taking the appropriate measures in order to mitigate these risks.

Follow These 4 Tips for a Safer Summer:

Stay Hydrated

Make sure to drink plenty of water, clear juices, and any other beverages that don’t contain alcohol, excessive sugar, or caffeine. 

Wear Sunscreen & Avoid Direct Sun Exposure

Avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible. Stay in the shade or plan outdoor activities for the early morning or at dusk. Wear a hat, sunglasses, and loose light-colored clothing when possible. You should also wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen when going outside. Make sure it has an SPF of 15 or higher and apply it every two hours.

Relax in the Air Conditioning as Much as Possible

If you start to overheat, move inside to where it is cool, preferably in the air conditioning. If your living space doesn’t have air conditioning, consider going to a movie theater, mall, library, or other location that is air conditioned. You can also take a cool shower or bath, or put wet washcloths or towels on your neck, wrists, ankles, and underarms. 

Watch for Signs of Heat-Related Summer Health Problems

Time is crucial if you start to demonstrate signs of a heat-related summer health problem. Know what symptoms to watch for so you can get help before it’s too late. 

• Dehydration – Muscle weakness and cramps, headaches, dizziness, confusion, dry mouth, and loss of consciousness.
• Heat stroke – Red, hot, and dry skin, a body temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit or more, a fast pulse, headaches, nausea, vomiting, confusion, lethargy, and loss of consciousness.
• Heat exhaustion – Heavy sweating or no sweating, muscle cramps and weakness, paleness, cold or clammy skin, headaches, nausea or vomiting, fatigue, a fast or weak pulse, and loss of consciousness.

Stay Safe at Twin Town Villa

If you are thinking about moving into a senior living community to live a safer life, contact us at Twin Town Villa. We have compassionate staff that treat all residents like family. They are committed to providing nothing short of exceptional service and can help you build a safer life. If you have questions or would like to schedule a tour of our community, call us at (218)643-9542. We are here for you!

With age comes challenges that affect one’s ability to take care of their daily needs. Unfortunately, many elderly relatives may not be willing to voice their challenges or indicate their need for additional help. That’s why it’s important to familiarize yourself with the common signs that demonstrate that your loved one may be struggling at home and may benefit from moving to assisted living in order to keep them safe and healthy. Here are a few signs your elderly loved one is struggling at home:

Difficulty with Self-Grooming

A lack of attention to personal hygiene and grooming may be an indication that your loved one is having a hard time living on their own. Due to physical limitations or their cognitive function, your loved one may begin to neglect their grooming needs, such as brushing their hair or teeth, bathing, or changing into clean clothes. 

Challenges Keeping the House Tidy

Your elderly loved one may experience a decline in their ability or willingness to perform household chores. You may notice accumulated clutter, dishes pilling up in the sink or counter, or an overall lack of maintenance. These occurrences are hazardous to your loved one as cluttered or dirty spaces can increase the risk of falls and illnesses. 

Limited Social Interaction

If your loved one is avoiding visitors or phone calls, or showing a disinterest in socialization, it may be a sign that they are experiencing feelings of depression or loneliness, which can contribute to the advancement of cognitive decline and health conditions. 

Weight Loss

If you notice your elderly loved one has lost weight and each time you check their fridge it seems to be empty, it may be a sign that they are having trouble preparing meals or eating. This may be a result of mobility limitations, depression, or cognitive decline that makes them forget about their need to eat. 

Mismanagement of Medication

As we age, we often find ourselves taking multiple types of medications throughout the day. With cognitive decline an elder relative may begin forgetting which pills they must take and when. This can be very dangerous to their health and may demonstrate a need for moving to assisted living to preserve their safety and well-being. 

We Are Here For The Next Steps

If your elderly loved one is displaying signs that they are having trouble living a safe, happy, and healthy life at home, it may be time to consider moving to assisted living at Twin Town Villa. Reach out to our compassionate staff today to schedule a tour of our exceptional community, or contact us at (218) 643-9542 for immediate assistance. 

If your loved one is having a hard time with the transition of moving to assisted living, they may turn to you for help and guidance. Knowing what to say ahead of time can help you handle the conversation with grace and delicacy. Here are some ways you can ease your loved one’s concerns about moving to assisted living:

Reassure Them That They Aren’t Losing Control

Your loved one might feel that they are losing control over their own life by moving to assisted living. Reassure them that they still have the power to make decisions about their residence, care, daily activities, and more. Find ways to empower them to make their own choices and foster a sense of independence.

Encourage Their Socialization

Remind your loved one that they will have many opportunities for socialization, even after moving to assisted living. Not only will you and other friends and family visit, but they can also take part in group activities. Most assisted living facilities offer worship opportunities, games, outlines, book clubs, and other fun social activities. 

Be a Good Listener

Above all, your loved one wants to feel heard. Lend a sympathetic ear, don’t interrupt, and let your loved one voice their concerns. Make sure they know that you understand their concerns and want to find a way to compromise or find a solution that works for both of you. 

We Are Here for You!

When it’s clear that it’s time for your loved one to move into an assisted living facility, contact us at Twin Town Villa. Our compassionate, friendly staff is always available to answer questions and give tours of our facilities — to help ease your loved one’s concerns. We specialize in memory care, assisted living, and care suits. To learn more, contact us to schedule a tour of the community or call us at (218) 643-9542 with questions. 

Upon coming to the decision that it is time for you or your loved one to move into an assisted living community, the task of finding the right place can seem daunting. Because we understand touring an assisted living community can be overwhelming, we have compiled a list of questions you should ask when touring any assisted living community, including Twin Town Villa.  

• How Will Residents Feel Welcomed?

Moving to a new place can be intimidating, but finding the right community can give a sense of comfort and make residents feel welcome. Make sure you ask how new residents will be welcomed and how they can prepare for this new transition. 

• Do You Have Staff 24/7?

The advantages of an assisted living community are the safety and security this community can offer to you or your loved one, so make sure the community you choose has staff available 24/7.  

• What Kind of Training Does Your Staff Undergo?

Making sure the team that will be assisting you or your loved one is properly trained is essential for a successful community and transition. 

• What Kind of Meals Do You Offer?

Dining and food services are important areas of care for an assisted community. Ask about menu options, meal planning, nutritional values, and socialization aspects of the communities dining services. 

• What Type of Activities Are Available?

Ensuring that the assisted living community you choose offers a variety of daily activities is important. This is a great way to get involved in the community and create relationships. 

• How Can the Family Be Involved?

You will want a community that allows family members to participate in daily activities, dining experiences, and ongoing care. 

Choosing the Perfect Assisted Living Community

Coming to the decision that it is time to look for an assisted living community for you or a loved one can be difficult, but Twin Town Villa hopes to make that choice much easier. We offer a sense of community, family, and care for residents and visitors. Schedule your tour today or call 218.643.9542 with any questions. Our team is ready to welcome you and your family!