July 4th is a major event in the US, and Americans are known to go all out. It's a time for fireworks, family, and fun, but for seniors in Parkland, FL, both the summer heat and the holiday hustle can have hidden risks.
For everyone's safety and comfort, it's important to educate yourself and plan ahead. That way, you can enjoy the festivities while having peace of mind.
No matter what you plan to do this holiday, you should be prepared. This post will go over Fourth of July safety tips for seniors so you know what to do ahead of time.
According to AccuWeather, the forecast for Independence Day weekend is in the low 90s. Parkland is humid too, so that can cause additional issues.
Since seniors are especially vulnerable to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, one of the top heat safety tips for aging adults we have is to plan your outdoor events for early morning or late afternoon. Avoid the peak sunshine hours of 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
If you must go out during extremely hot hours, then stay hydrated. Drink water every 15-20 minutes while doing outdoor activities. To make this easier, bring a reusable water bottle that you can refill.
In addition, make sure you have easy access to shaded areas or air-conditioned buildings.
On that note, ensure you have adequate sun protection.
For senior safety during holidays, wear lightweight and breathable clothing. They should be light-colored too, so people can see you in the dark. Add in wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses for extra protection.
You should also use broad-spectrum sunscreen. Not only should you apply it generously, but you should also reapply often.
During outdoor gatherings, make sure you have portable fans or cooling towels. It can also be helpful to bring seating with back support and cushions, especially while watching parades or fireworks.
Of course, fireworks are the star of the show, but you still have to practice good outdoor event safety for seniors.
Hearing loss is irreversible, so ear protection is a must. You can use either foam plugs or noise-canceling headphones. For seniors with dementia or sensory sensitivities, these have the added benefit of dulling shocking noises.
In addition, clarify fireworks timing in advance. That way, you can prepare and avoid startling experiences if necessary.
We also suggest attending professional fireworks displays instead of lighting personal ones. Always sit at least 500 feet away, regardless.
Chances are, you'll be out and about a lot. If you don't take Independence Day precautions for the elderly, then it's easy to overexert yourself and increase the chances of injury.
To ensure you'll have a good time, look for sturdy, comfortable seating. Take regular breaks to stretch your legs if you're seated often.
When you're walking around, stick to even walking surfaces and clear pathways. No matter what you're doing, take frequent restroom breaks.
July 4th is the perfect opportunity to get everyone together for a big feast. You may be manning the grill while your daughter serves up the sides she prepared the day before. And all your guests may have brought their own dishes to share.
Having a big potluck is great, but it's essential that you don't keep everything out in the hot sun for hours. Perishable foods should be chilled in coolers with ice packs, and you should limit the time out in the heat to under two hours.
If you're in charge of the food, then cater to dietary needs. For example, you should provide these options:
Don't forget healthy snacks too. For instance, fruit skewers can be both refreshing and nutritious!
We understand that it's fun to have adult beverages during holidays. But if you're going to different locations, then it's of the utmost importance that you have designated drivers. You should arrange these well in advance so it's clear who is (and isn't) drinking on the big day.
Those who are driving should be alert to erratic drivers. Always leave extra space and maintain focus while driving.
To lessen the chances of accidents and to beat traffic congestion, leave early.
Are you going to the beach or pool for Independence Day? Then ensure that there's constant supervision and working life jackets.
To avoid injury, walk instead of diving into the water. And if there's a storm, don't go swimming.
Often, we forget about the social and emotional sides of celebrations. However, these can be just as important as physical accommodations.
For July 4th memory care considerations, try not to overwhelm seniors with loud gatherings or political debates. Have quieter celebrations, such as:
Also, keep an eye out for signs of fatigue, confusion, and agitation. If you notice any, get rest in a cool and quiet space.
No matter how vigilant you are, accidents may happen. In that case, you want to be prepared.
Have a first-aid kit handy that's stocked with all the basics, as well as your prescribed medications. Know the local Parkland emergency contacts and the nearest urgent care or hospital.
Most importantly, recognize heat-related illness signs:
If someone's suffering from these symptoms, cool them down, have them drink water, and call 911 if it's serious.
Participating in celebrations is always fun, but you must always watch out for not only your own safety, but also others. So make sure you follow these Fourth of July safety tips, especially if you're an older adult.
With a little advanced planning and accommodations for your comfort, you'll be able to have a safe yet exciting Independence Day. As a result, you can fully relax!
Get in touch with us today if you're interested in Parkland senior living. Aston Gardens at Parkland Commons is a pet-friendly community with an on-site dog park.