Summer Safety Tips for Seniors in Broward County

Summer is right around the corner. Are you prepared to keep you and your loved ones safe during the hottest months of the year?

While summer is many people’s favorite time of the year, it can present difficult challenges for seniors. The days are hot and long. It’s very important to consider how your senior loved ones will fare throughout the season. From preparing for hurricanes, signing up for the special needs registry, beach safety, and sun protection tips, read on to learn more about how to be best prepared for the summer months in Broward County.

Hurricane Preparedness Supply Checklist

Special Needs Registry

Broward County offers a special needs registry that allows residents to connect with their local emergency management agency. By registering, you can ensure that you will receive the necessary assistance during a disaster. The shelters available through this registry are specifically designed for individuals who require in-home care services like live-in care or dementia support. Family members and caregivers are welcome to stay with you at these shelters during emergencies. If you register through Griswold, you’ll have two cots reserved—one for you and another for your referred Caregiver. Moreover, registration comes with the added benefit of transportation to and from your shelter. Broward County Transit or Paratransit will arrange to pick you and your caregiver up from your home, ensuring you have a safe and convenient journey.

Beach Safety

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 beachbound with a senior loved one.

• 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 referred 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.

Sun Protection Tips

• Stay in the shade
• Use sunscreen with at least SPF 15
• Wear wide-brimmed hats
• Wear clothing to your ankles
• Wear long-sleeved shirts
• Pay attention the to the time, UV rays are strongest between 10-4
• Sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before being in the sun and then reapplied every 2 hours

Griswold is Here to Help

At Griswold, we’re here to support you and help you or your loved one remain safe, comfortable, and independent at home for as long as possible. Our referred Caregivers can help with a wide range of non-medical home care services, including mobility and transfer assistance, personal care, companionship, homemaking, meal preparation, respite care for family caregivers, and more.

Whether you need just a few hours of support each week or around-the-clock assistance, we offer flexible care options designed to meet you where you are in your journey. For individuals requiring ongoing support, 24/7 or live-in care can provide comfort, consistency, and peace of mind. In many cases, the bond formed between a Caregiver and client becomes more than just care; it becomes a meaningful companionship that enhances the quality of life for both the individual and their family.

If you’d like to learn more about how Griswold can support your loved one, give us a call today. We would be honored to answer your questions and help you explore care options that fit your needs. We support those living in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Pembroke Pines, Plantation, and the surrounding area.

License #: NR30211028