The sun is shining, the temps are warm and it’s a perfect day to head outside for a picnic. July is National Picnic Month, providing a wonderful reason to pack up that lunch and bring it outside to enjoy. Picnics can be large groups celebrating together at an event, or just a couple of friends or family members having a small meal at a local park. They’re a fun way to get outside and have some fresh air while enjoying a meal. Fresh air always makes everything taste better. Here are a few tips for picnicking safely with your senior loved one and how home care can help.
Picnicking Safely with your Senior Loved One and Home Care
If your elderly loved one would enjoy a picnic or two this month, here are some suggestions to help keep that time together not only fun but also safe for your senior.
- Food prep. Keep your loved one safe from foodborne illnesses by making sure all food will stay safely chilled during the picnic, especially on those very hot days. Have her home care provider help her choose foods that will survive the weather safely and not develop bacteria if they sit in the sun too long. Consider using an insulated food cooler for transport instead of the traditional wicker basket to keep food chilled.
- Dress appropriately. Warm weather and bright sun can lead to sunburn and heat stroke if not prepared for properly. Your loved one’s home care provider can help by picking out the perfect sunny day outfit. It should be lightweight yet provide coverage from the sun’s direct rays. A wide-brimmed hat is a perfect accessory. A personal care at home provider can also help by applying sunscreen to any skin that will be exposed to prevent burns.
- Find the perfect spot. Once at the location, look for shaded areas to enjoy the picnic. Avoid sitting directly in the sun when possible. A nice spot under a large shade tree is a great place for a picnic. If possible, avoid picnic tables near trash cans that attract bees and other insects to prevent unpleasant bites or stings.
- Bring a tablecloth. If you are enjoying a meal at a public picnic table, bring a tablecloth to cover the table with. That’ll help keep any dirty items on the table from getting into your food. It can also help clean up be a lot easier for you and your loved one as well.
- Watch your step and your seat. While eating outdoors is wonderful, it’s not always hazard-free. A picnic table under a tree looks inviting, but you may need to step over roots to get to your seat and then that seat may not be the most stabilized. Offer a supporting arm to your loved one as she walks over an unpaved area so that she doesn’t stumble or twist an ankle on an unseen dip in the ground.
- Keep an eye on the weather. One thing about summers is that the weather can change in an instant so make sure someone has a weather app handy in case a sudden storm develops. Also, watch those temps and humidity. If they start to soar, you might consider cutting the picnic short.
Taking a few safety precautions can help ensure your senior loved one will have an enjoyable picnic with plenty more in her future.
If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Wheaton, IL, please contact the caring staff at Suburban Home Care today at (630) 964-9000.
There are several great reasons why Suburban Home Care® should be your choice for quality homecare. All of our Certified Nursing Assistants and Home Health Aides are screened, trained, bonded and insured.
Every family needs to be aware that almost every Homeowner’s insurance policy specifically excludes anyone working within your home. If the person you hire becomes injured while working for you, you will become personally responsible for all of their medical bills. This has left several families very vulnerable when their caregiver injured themselves at their home.
The potential to lose everything you have worked so hard to achieve seems an unnecessary risk. Every one of Suburban Home Care®’s employees are completely covered by insurance so you and your loved ones can relax knowing that if something unforeseen happens to your caregiver, they are completely covered by insurance.
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