How Hot Summers Can Change Your Senior Loved One's Housekeeping Capabilities

Many seniors with family support or in-home care can still do many of their own housekeeping chores. Most seniors prefer to continue doing their laundry and tidying up after their activities because it is a way to stay active, engaged, and independent. However, summertime can be a difficult time for seniors managing on their own. Extreme temperatures and limited time outdoors can prevent seniors from reaching their usual household productivity.

Central Phoenix can get quite warm in the summer. Caregivers should be aware of how hot summers can change a senior's ability to keep up with household chores.

Heat and Fatigue in Seniors

Seniors often have a difficult time regulating their body heat. This may be due to certain medications common among older patients or the body's reduced self-regulating functions. Because of this, seniors are more susceptible to extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. In the summer, seniors need to be careful to avoid heat exhaustion and may experience greater fatigue as the temperature rises.

Seniors may need to rest more often and plan for shorter periods of activity during the summer. Staying indoors and in well-air-conditioned spaces can be essential. Caregivers should watch out for signs of heat exhaustion and sunstroke, and be prepared to help seniors complete a larger portion of household chores during the heat of summer.

Limited Time Outdoors

During the Maricopa summer, the heat and the UV index are both on the rise. Seniors should spend less time outdoors and watch out for heat risks. Caregivers should ask seniors to limit their time outside to 15-30 minute intervals, with time to cool off and rehydrate in between.

Spending less time outdoors, even very active seniors will be less able to take care of their outdoor household tasks. Mowing, gardening, and even sweeping up the back patio may be inadvisable except in the morning and evening when the heat is less.

Short Periods of Activity

Seniors are often limited to shorter periods of activity during the summer. Heat makes it hard to release the heat of physical exertion. Seniors who do household chores during the summer may need to take breaks more often to rest, cool off, and avoid heat exhaustion. Those who support seniors will need to work with them to help complete the full list of household chores and ensure seniors do not overheat or work too hard during this time.

Increased List of Summer Chores

Unfortunately, while seniors are resting in the shade this season, the number of chores typically goes up. Grass grows faster in the Tempe summer, the trees are in full bloom, and gutters fill up with leaves, seeds, and lively small animals. Drains may need more care in the summer and visiting relatives may even increase the need for daily and weekly cleaning.

Seniors may be unable to keep up with the increased demand for summer chores, even if they stay relatively active.

Seniors Benefit from Summer Help

The summertime is an important time for senior support. Caregivers and other paid services can be an essential part of helping seniors keep their homes and lives in good condition during a time when seniors may be feeling heat fatigue. Housekeepers, landscapers, and caregivers become an essential support system, especially in extreme weather when the temperature can make it difficult to stay active.

Here at Senior Helpers of Collinsville, we are passionate about helping seniors and their families live a good, full life in every season. Contact us today to consult on the needs of the Phoenix area seniors in your life who may need a little extra help keeping up with their household this summer.