Welcome the return of summer months and the break in our daily routines thta often comes along with them. However, for the elderly and those who live with mental and physical disabilities, this can also lead to a number of unplanned and sometimes unhealthy situations. In addition to the typical seasonal conditions such as extreme temperatures and unexpected weather patterns, the months immediately following the end of the school year tend to create a variety of problems.

Rising temperatures bring elevated risk of overheating, dehydration and exposure to insect bites and allergens that can lead to serious side effects for seniors and those with disabilities. As a result, what starts out as a nice picnic may turn into an unexpected trip to the hospital.

Seniors, particularly those who are more independent, also prefer their regular, uninterrupted schedules. They wake up and go to be early– two things most caregivers would rather not do during the summer months. They are more comfortable with a set routine and, in some cases, need a very structured, controlled environment. Medication management, daily exercise, meals and appropriate rest can often be compromised when schedules change and caregivers fail to make adjustments.

Days that are traditionally filled with appointments, socialization, activities and individual attention can turn into extended periods of isolation and neglect, simply because caregivers want and deserve a vacation. Young adults with disabilities sometimes find it unnerving when they have to plan their own activities or find companionship, and behavioral issues may develop.

For the same reasons that summer days can lead to loneliness, however, they can also lead to family overload. Reunions, family vacations and visiting relatives can often be overwhelming for seniors with dementia or those suffering from nervous conditions. Likewise, being around a young adult with disabilities or grandparent with Alzheimer’s may be uncomfortable for everyone involved.

Medical adult day cares offer services to combat the issues that often develop during the summer months. They have programs that ease the stress and burnout of caregivers and are flexible enough to work with families to create a plan that works with their schedules.

When adult day care and home care are integrated, it can often alleviate the problems associated with morning and evening routines facing caregivers. Door-to-door transportation provided by adult day cares can help assure that those in need are safely delivered to their destinations while offering one less worry for the caregiver.

Undoubtedly, summer vacations can put a strain on caregivers who are concerned with making arrangements for their loved ones. Travel can be strenuous and taxing on all parties involved when respite is what the family really needs. Although adult day services don’t provide 24-hour care, they do provide a safe and secure environment Monday through Friday during regular business hours as well as on weekends in some locations. In addition, adult day cares provide the socialization, therapeutic programming, nutritional meals and health care management that the elderly and those with disabilities need throughout the year, especially in the summertime.

For more information on the benefits of an adult day care, contact Tammy Dauley at Active Day of Russellville at 726-2100 or go to www.activeday.com.

Active Day, Inc. was founded in 1995 with the goal of creating a nationwide network of community-based health care services to meet the needs of the elderly, disabled adults and their caregivers.