For most families summer means enjoying longer days, vacations, outings, and meeting up with family and friends. It is the time of year when more time is spent outdoors taking in the sunshine and fresh air while engaging in a variety of activities.
Everyone welcomes the warmer, more laid-back days of summer, and that includes individuals living with dementia. Not only is being outdoors more enjoyable, it brings very real health benefits. Dementia Adventure notes several, including these:
Physical benefits:
- Overall better fitness
- Healthier skin
- Improved sleep patterns
- Better appetite
- Better digestion
Emotional benefits:
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Lifted mood
- Less apathy
- Reduced anger and agitation
- Reduced depression
Social wellbeing:
- Improved memory and attention span
- Better verbal expression
- Increased sense of self-esteem and belonging
- Improved appetite
These are great benefits. However, families may be concerned that, while engaging in family outdoor outings, mom or dad may have a fall, get sunstroke, or wander off from a picnic in the park. Because of this, the decision is often made to exclude them from summer get togethers.
While this is certainly understandable, doesn’t have to be that way. With a little planning and preparation, as well as support from family members and friends, your loved one can not only participate, but enjoy these summer activities.
Here are some tips to help make it easier to include mom or dad in more of your summer activities.
Enhance personal comfort:
- Have them dress lightly. Encourage clothing that is comfortable and lightweight.
- Avoid over exposure to the sun. Always apply sunscreen to exposed skin. Make sure they are wearing sunglasses or a hat/visor to keep sun off the face and out of the eyes.
- Keep them hydrated. Not only should you always have a water bottle with them, also make sure they are drinking regularly to avoid dehydration.
Make adjustments to activities to maximize safety and minimize anxiety:
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Summer concerts and fairs are fun but are typically crowded and noisy. This can be disorienting to an individual with dementia, especially in large events. Try to avoid them if possible. Consider noise cancelling headphones if there is no other option.
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Family get-togethers are a summer staple. However, with children playing and lots of shouting, they can be noisy and disruptive for your loved one. Scope out your surroundings for a quiet resting place where they can sit that is out of the center of activity. That way, family members and friends can sit and visit with them in a way that is more relaxing.
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Taking walks helps maintain muscle strength and coordination. However, in warm weather, your loved one can quickly become overheated. Make sure your walks are scheduled for early in the day to avoid unnecessary exposure to heat. Have a water bottle with you and make sure your loved one wears sunscreen, as well as a hat or cap.
- Swimming is a great way to cool off for those who are physically able. Never, however, let them go in a pool without supervision. Someone should always be in the water with them to watch for any signs of anxiety and help them quickly exit the pool if necessary.
Even with the above precautions in place, there may be instances in which the best option for your loved one with dementia is to not participate. In these cases, you may want to consider in-home care or respite care in a local assisted living or memory care community. Our Anthem Memory Care communities offer respite care.
Summer is a special time of year and a great time to enjoy more outdoor activities. Plan ahead, however, and always make sure you are acting with your loved one’s best interests in mind. Taking precautions for their health and safety will make every activity more enjoyable for them, your family, and you.
