The summer season, with its longer days and warmer temperatures, brings unique challenges and opportunities for hospice patients and their caregivers. Ensuring safety and comfort during these months requires careful planning and attention to specific needs. Here, we’ll explore summer safety tips and offer some weekly challenges to help hospice patients and caregivers navigate the season effectively.
General Summer Safety Tips
- Stay Hydrated:
- Tip: Ensure that hospice patients drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to prevent dehydration. Water, herbal teas, and electrolyte-rich beverages are good choices.
- Challenge: Set a daily hydration goal and track fluid intake to ensure consistency.
- Avoid Overheating:
- Tip: Keep the indoor environment cool with fans, air conditioning, and closed blinds during the hottest parts of the day. If spending time outside, seek shade and wear light, breathable clothing.
- Challenge: Identify the coolest areas of the home and create a comfortable, designated space for the patient to relax during peak heat hours.
- Protect from Sun Exposure:
- Tip: Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, wear wide-brimmed hats, and use UV-protective clothing when outside. Reapply sunscreen every two hours.
- Challenge: Make applying sunscreen a part of the daily routine and involve patients in choosing their sun protection gear to make it more engaging.
- Monitor Medications:
- Tip: Some medications can increase sensitivity to heat and sunlight. Review medications with the healthcare provider and follow any special instructions for summer.
- Challenge: Create a medication chart that highlights any potential side effects related to sun and heat exposure.
- Maintain Nutritional Balance:
- Tip: Light, frequent meals with a balance of fruits, vegetables, and proteins can help maintain energy levels and prevent overheating.
- Challenge: Introduce a new seasonal fruit or vegetable each week and incorporate it into meals to keep the diet interesting and nutritious.
Weekly Challenges for Hospice Patients and Caregivers
Week 1: Hydration Week
- Goal: Increase daily water intake.
- Activities: Create flavored water with fruits and herbs, track daily fluid intake with a chart, and have a “hydration toast” to celebrate staying hydrated.
Week 2: Cool and Comfortable Week
- Goal: Optimize indoor environments to stay cool.
- Activities: Identify the coolest room in the house and make it a relaxation zone, experiment with different fan placements, and enjoy cool compresses or misting sprays.
Week 3: Sun Safety Week
- Goal: Implement sun protection measures.
- Activities: Have a hat and sunscreen fashion show, practice applying sunscreen properly, and schedule outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak sun hours.
Week 4: Medication Awareness Week
- Goal: Understand medication side effects related to heat and sun.
- Activities: Review the patient’s medication list with a healthcare provider, create a medication reminder system, and discuss any changes in symptoms with the care team.
Week 5: Nutrition and Hydration Week
- Goal: Enhance nutrition with seasonal produce.
- Activities: Visit a local farmers’ market (if feasible) or arrange for delivery of fresh produce, try new recipes featuring summer fruits and vegetables, and prepare light, refreshing meals together.
Week 6: Engage and Entertain Week
- Goal: Keep the patient engaged with summer-themed activities.
- Activities: Create a summer scrapbook with photos and memories, organize a virtual picnic with family and friends, and enjoy summer-themed crafts or puzzles.
Tips for Caregivers
- Self-Care:
- Caregivers must also stay hydrated, avoid overexertion, and take breaks to rest. Practicing self-care ensures they can provide the best possible care.
- Monitor for Heat-Related Illnesses:
- Be vigilant for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke in both the patient and yourself. Symptoms include dizziness, headache, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and confusion. Seek medical attention if these occur.
- Stay Connected:
- Maintain open communication with the hospice care team for any concerns about the patient’s health during the summer months. Regular check-ins can help address any issues promptly.
By following these summer safety tips and engaging in weekly challenges, hospice patients and caregivers can enjoy the season while minimizing risks. Summer can still be a time of joy and connection, with the right precautions in place.