August is Family Fun Month. Before the kids return to school and college kids head off to their campus life again, gather the family for a family picnic where your dad is surrounded by the people he loves. His home care aide can make sure he is prepared for the adventure.
Here are some of the best ways to have a successful outing.
Stay Hydrated
Make sure your dad stays hydrated. Bring water bottles, unsweetened iced tea, or natural fruit drinks. If he dislikes water on its own, bring some drops that flavor water without added sugar. Melons, berries, oranges, and kiwi also have a lot of water and can help your family get enough water throughout the day.
Protect Against Insect Bites and Stings
You don’t want the day ruined by insects. Bring bug spray to keep mosquitoes and biting flies away. If hornets and wasps are around, consider setting wasp traps far away from the areas where people will be gathering. Avoid areas where you see active nests to limit your exposure to them.
After being in tall grass, check each other for ticks. Ticks can spread some dangerous diseases, so it’s best to avoid getting bitten. If anyone has a tick, remove it as quickly as possible using a tick removal tool to ensure you get the head out, too.
Use Sunscreen and Sun Shelters
Sunburns are no fun. Plus, they raise the risk of skin cancer. Your dad needs to be careful when he’s in the sun.
A canopy or pavilion that blocks out the sun is a good way to ensure your dad has shelter from the sun. Bring a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for him and make sure he applies sunscreen every couple of hours. If he goes swimming, have him put on sunscreen as soon as he comes out of the water.
Have a Back-Up Plan
If it rains or a thunderstorm surprises everyone, what’s the backup plan? Can you turn it into a picnic at your home instead? Is there an indoor bowling alley, miniature golf, or zoo with indoor areas where you can go?
Be Mindful of Food Safety
An older person, like your dad, may be more susceptible to foodborne illnesses and food poisoning. Improperly cooked meats or expired or recalled products could land him in the hospital.
Pay attention to recalls and warnings that the FDA releases. Ensure that any meats, mayonnaise-based salads, and cheeses are stored in a cooler with sufficient ice. If you’re grilling meats, use a digital thermometer to ensure everything is cooked to the proper temperature.
When you’re all busy with school, work, and after-school activities, how do you make sure your dad doesn’t feel isolated and alone? Arrange for home care aides to spend time with him. Home care aides can take him shopping, join him on daily walks, and keep him company at his house. Learn more by talking to an advisor at our local agency.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Home Care Services near Southbury, CT, please call and talk to our friendly and dedicated staff. (203) 744-8380
Home Care Advantage provides quality Non-Medical Home Care for seniors and families in Danbury, Bethel, Easton, Newtown, Redding, Ridgefield, Southbury, Weston, Westport, Wilton, and surrounding areas.
With over 25 years of healthcare experience working with seniors, our model and approach to non-medical home care services are straightforward, providing you with the compassionate care you deserve. Providing care from the heart is what we are all about; we proactively work with you and your family to develop a care plan designed to meet your specific need for assistance and budget.
In addition to having an extensive work background in healthcare, my recent educational experience allowed me to earn my Doctorate Degree in public healthcare. This achievement enhanced my knowledge of the ever-evolving healthcare delivery system and heightened my awareness that you cannot go it alone to get the best outcome. Additionally, I have seen how some of my family members struggled and were overwhelmed with ensuring that their parents were safe and their needs were met. They did not know who to trust or where to turn for reliable and affordable help. I have made it our mission to be part of the solution allowing seniors to remain independent and be treated with the respect they deserve.
We are committed to providing excellent care for our clients, just as we would care for members of our own families. Please be assured that I will use my knowledge and background to protect and be a trusted resource for seniors and their families.
You can be confident that our caregivers are carefully screened, dependable, and selectively chosen to meet the specific needs of our clients. They are experienced and highly trained to provide excellent quality care and follow a strict professional code of conduct and ethics.
Our caregivers are competitively paid directly by our agency; there is no additional charge to you. Home Care Advantage files Social Security/Medicare, Federal and State Withholding Tax, and Unemployment Insurance for our employees. Workers’ compensation insurance and a fidelity bond cover the caregivers and supervisory staff.
Our caregivers are here for you and will work hard to assist you with your specific needs in the comfort of your own home. It is said that “Home is where the heart is.” Let Home Care Advantage provide care that will enrich your life and help you maintain an independent lifestyle in the comfort of your own home, “where you want to be.” Call us now! We look forward to working with you and your family.
Dr. Beverly J. Ruekberg, DHP, MPH, MA, Ed.
President/Geriatric Care Manager
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