During the summer, seniors need to make sure that they are protecting their eyes as well as their skin. The UV rays of the sun can cause significant damage to the eyes, especially for seniors who already have some amount of age-related vision deterioration. In fact, some studies have shown that significant UV ray exposure can make macular degeneration, cataracts, and other vision problems worse. Since those are the exact vision problems that directly affect seniors, it’s important for seniors to take steps to protect their eyes from the sun during the hot summer weather. Some things that seniors can do to protect their eyes this summer include:
Always Wear Sunglasses
Seniors should be wearing sunglasses whenever they go outside. If your senior loved one wears prescription glasses then they need to get prescription sunglasses as well. Talk to your senior loved one’s eye doctor about the best prescription sunglasses for your senior parent’s unique needs.
And it’s a good idea to get several pairs so that your senior loved one can leave one pair in a pocket or purse, another in the car, and another at home. That way they will always have a pair of sunglasses with them. Home care can also help by making sure that your senior loved one is always dressed appropriately for the weather including wearing a hat and their sunglasses.
Stay Indoors When UV Rays Are Strongest
You already know that your senior loved one should stay inside during the hottest hours of the day so that they don’t get heat stroke. But they also should be staying indoors until the most intense UV rays have subsided for the day too. Typically seniors should stay inside from about 11 A.M. until after 5 P.M. to avoid damaging UV rays.
Get Light Blocking Curtains And Shades
UV rays from the sun don’t just impact seniors outdoors. If your senior parent’s home has a lot of windows and gets a lot of sunlight they can be affected by UV rays that are coming through the windows. Installing light blocking thermal curtains or shades and keeping those drawn during the day can be a big help when it comes to protecting your senior parent’s eyes. A home care provider can make sure the shades or curtains are drawn when the sun is the most intense during the day.
Cool Eyes With An Eye Pillow
Every senior should have an eye pillow, which is a small rectangular sack made from cotton or silk that is filled flax seeds and herbs. Keep it in the freezer. After being outdoors in the hot sun your senior parent should lie down with their eyes closed and put the eye pillow over their eyes for 15 minutes. The cool eye pillow will help them cool down and soothe irritated or inflamed eyes. It’s a great idea to have two so that there is always one cold in case your senior loved one wants to cool their eyes and forehead.
Source:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/articles/how-to-protect-your-eyes-from-uv-damage
The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable home care in Oakwood, GA, and the surrounding areas.
Call (770) 965-4004 for more information.
We provide home care in Braselton, Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Flowery Branch, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Oakwood, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Barrow County, Forsyth County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, Jackson County, North Fulton County.
Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”
Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”
You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).
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