June is National Great Outdoors Month and if you’re planning on taking a family trip, you should visit some of the stunning national parks. Seniors can enjoy a family trip to a national park with their families and use that time to get in some healthy exercise. There are a lot of health benefits that seniors can get from spending time outdoors like lower blood pressure and better mental health. However, there are a few things that seniors should keep in mind when they visit national parks, since they can be a bit far away from emergency rooms and supplies. Having senior home care can help your senior loved one better pack for an enjoyable trip in the great outdoors.
Bring Extra Sun Protection
Depending on the park that your senior parent is visiting the weather could be very sunny and warm. Seniors should always have plenty of sun protection to make sure they don’t get too much sun. Pack a few extra bottles of high SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, a couple of sun hats, and at least one sun visor.
It might seem like that’s more than your senior loved one will need but sunglasses and sunhats often get lost or left behind. If your senior loved one has senior home care, ask their senior home care provider to make sure your senior parent has extra sun protection packed.
Have a Fully Stocked Emergency Kit
Another thing that your senior parent’s senior home care provider can help pack is a fully stocked emergency kit. A basic first aid kit just won’t cut it if you’re going to be in the middle of a national park with a senior loved one. In addition all the usual emergency supplies make sure you have extra ice bags and heating pads. It’s also a good idea to have several ACE bandages, a splint, and some crutches or a cane.
Don’t forget the best kept secret for medical emergencies when hiking – vet wrap. Vet wrap can be purchased at any farm store or pet store. Vet wrap is great for putting over bandages because it’s waterproof, flexible, and provides really good support for sprains and strains.
Always Keep Snacks and Water Nearby
Seniors can become dehydrated very quickly when they’re outdoors hiking. It’s a smart idea to plan on bringing double the amount of water that you think you might need. Seniors should always have a full water bottle and some protein-rich snacks that will give them the energy they need to keep going. Protein bars and trail mix are great snacks to bring on a hike.
Choose Family Friendly Trails
When you’re hiking with senior loved one look for trails that marked as family friendly or kid friendly. Those trails tend to be smoother, more even, and less of an incline than other trails. Usually seniors will have an easier time hiking on family friendly trails and there will often be benches at intervals that your senior loved one can use if they need a break.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Senior Home Care in Newtown, CT, please contact the caring staff at Elderly Caregivers LLC. today. (203) 628-7438
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