How to Stay Cool as the Summer Approaches

Keeping Cool

A. Clothes

• Wear light colors and light materials such as linen and cotton. Materials such as rayon and polyester tend to trap heat close to the skin.
• Wear loose fitting clothing.
• Wear a hat with a wide brim to protect the face.

B. Home

• Stay indoors during extremely hot weather.
• Lower shades, blinds, or close drapes on the east side of your home during the morning hours and the west side during the afternoon in order to keep your home or apartment as cool as possible. Use a fan in the rooms where the windows are covered.
• If you do not have air conditioning in your home, go to your local Council on Aging/senior center, Aging Service Access Point, mall, movie theater or library in order to stay cool.
  

C. Outdoors

• Wear sunscreen SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or higher.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat or take an umbrella to block the sun.
• Schedule outdoor activities before 10am or after 6pm when the temperature is lower.
• Avoid strenuous activity.
• If you are outside, take frequent breaks in shaded area.
• Avoid crowded places.
• If possible, go to a place where you can get relief from heat, such as air conditioned libraries, theaters, and other community facilities that may offer refuge during the warmest times of the day.

Keeping Hydrated

A. Fluids

• The best liquid to drink during hot, humid days is water. Drink plenty of water, even if you are not thirsty, in order to stay hydrated.
• Avoid drinks with caffeine.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages which will dehydrate your body.
• Drink sports drinks that have the added minerals that your body loses when it sweats.

B. Food

• Keep frozen treats such as ice cream and popsicles in the freezer that can help you keep cool during hot weather.
• Eat cold foods such as sandwiches and salads.
• Fresh fruits and vegetables are also another way to keep hydrated.

Keeping Safe

A. Buddy System

• Make sure that you have someone to check on you to make sure that you are well.

B. Using Common Sense

• Avoid long walks, particularly during noon-3pm, when the sun is at its peak.
• Slow down, avoid strenuous activity. Do not try to do too much on a hot day.
• Pay attention to weather reports.
• Contact you doctor if you are taking several drugs for a number of health problems because these may make it harder for your body to keep cool through perspiration. A few examples would be diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers, and also some heart and blood pressure medicines.

On Long Distance Caregiving

It was a great relief to know my sister moved in with my mom to care for her as mom’s Alzheimer’s is advancing. It was and still is an adjustment for both of them as well as my developmentally challenged brother who lives there also. I visited after Christmas and was able to help my sister understand the strategies of caring for an Alzheimer’s affected individual and guiding her to allow my mom as much independence as possible. We had bought mom a new lift chair for her birthday as getting up was becoming difficult for her. She had a hard time understanding why the button to raise her feet said “down”. My sister patiently tried to explain that the “up” button would raise her up to stand. I explained that mom probably would never “learn” this new function and to label the button for her to say “feet up”. It was a simple solution that worked for mom and ended her frustration. My sister was trying to be a perfect daughter and do everything for mom while mom kept asking, “Am I supposed to be doing something?” I coached my sister on giving mom things to do that would engage her in the activity. She didn’t have to prepare a whole meal but could set the table. She didn’t need to do the laundry in the basement but could easily help fold the laundry. She resents her finances being handled by her children so I coached my sister to oversee her; allow her to write what checks needed to be written and assure they were entered in the checkbook register. It gave my mother a feeling of power over her own funds.

My sister felt so discouraged because she thought she was doing everything right by doing everything. She didn’t realize that caring for an Alzheimer’s affected person doesn’t necessarily come naturally. She needs to learn to pace herself, take time for herself, let mom do what can for herself, and to take time to enjoy the journey together. I know there will be many calls and questions from my sister and I’ll be happy to answer them as knowing she is there for mom gives me such peace of mind.

Volunteers

We don’t just LIKE our Volunteers, we LOVE our Volunteers. As we approach Valentine’s Day, we begin to think about all the people in our lives that mean a lot to us. At Alzheimer’s Services, we think of our volunteers. Volunteers allow us to “stretch” our capacity to serve the many individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. Volunteers assist daily at Charlie’s Place, in the administrative offices and with the many programs and services we offer to those in need. Their involvement allows us to increase our ability to fulfill our mission - to make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by Alzheimer’s disease in our community. Volunteers donate their time and talent daily, saving us thousands of dollars each year that allows us to continue to improve our services to the more than 15,000 individuals in the Greater Baton Rouge area. Their involvement and dedication helps the staff create and maintain the “person centered care” that is provided to each Alzheimer’s affected person and their loved ones who seek assistance. Volunteers inspire the staff with their infusion of energy and support. We thank you and appreciate your dedication. To our Volunteers we say “Happy Valentine’s Day- We love all of you!” If you are interested in volunteering at Alzheimer’s Services, please contact our office at 1-225- 334-7494.