Beach Safety for Seniors in Broward County

The beach can be a place for great fun, but there are some necessary precautions to take, especially when going with an aging adult.

Along with beach safety, there are many topics to be mindful of during the Summer. Click here to check out our earlier blog on skin safety.

Did you know that staying active and getting outside has been connected to a variety of health benefits for seniors? These include fewer depression symptoms, greater physical confidence, and lessened fears of falling, per the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

What to Pack

While there are some beach “necessities” you might not want to forget when going to Fort Lauderdale Beach, Hollywood Beach, or Deerfield Beach. Think of beach chairs, towels, sunscreen, etc. There are other crucial items that you should bring when taking an aging adult to the beach.

• Beach shoes – are an absolute necessity for seniors. A pair of beach shoes can help protect feet and prevent falls.
• Water – hydration is vital, especially when spending time in the sun. Make sure to pack a cooler with plenty of cold water.
• Hats – wearing wide-brim hats protects your face from the sun’s harmful UV rays and helps keep you cool.
• Protective clothing – similar to wearing wide-brim hats, wearing clothing that covers the arms and legs, but is still breathable – is another way to stay protected.
• Emergency contact info and identification – if your loved one has dementia or a similar memory impairment, they may have trouble finding you if they get lost. A great option is to sew contact info into clothes or an accessory in case of an emergency. Another idea is to have information ready for nearby doctors and health facilities.
• Medication – if your loved one requires medication, don’t forget to bring it so they don’t miss a dose! While our Caregivers can’t administer the medication, they can help remind you. Also, make sure to check the label to ensure the medication needs to stay at room temperature or if it can be exposed to the sun.

Fall Prevention

Soft sand, shells, and other debris can cause surprises and increase the risk of falling. Wearing beach shoes and using mobility aids can help reduce that risk, but also make sure to ensure your loved one always has someone walking with them.

If your loved one struggles with walking, make sure to remember their wheelchair, cane, or walker. You should make sure the mobility aid your loved one uses is safe to use on sand and/or rocks before going. Some beaches also rent out beach-specific mobility aids that are made for the sand.

Water Safety

If your loved one wants to go into the water, there are a couple of precautions to take. Make sure someone always accompanies them in the water. Having someone helps alleviate the risk of them getting a cramp or falling. You should also go into the water as close to the lifeguard tower as possible.

We Can Help

At Griswold Care Pairing for Broward County, our referred Caregivers may be able to join you for a trip to the beach! Through our Companionship Care, they can take you or a loved one to the beach or accompany your loved one during a family trip.

If you live in Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Hollywood, or the surrounding area, and need a Caregiver to accompany your loved one to the beach, give us a call today! We’d be happy to match you with the perfect Caregiver for your needs.

License #: NR30211028