Understanding Senior Safety During the Summer in Scottsdale

Summers in Scottsdale get hot – very hot. Thus, it is essential that seniors understand the greater risk heat poses to them.

Tips for Staying Cool on Hot Days

During these hot months, it is vital to keep your body temperature at a safe level. While it is more difficult for seniors to keep their temperature in check, follow the tips below as a precaution to stay ahead of the heat.

• Stay inside air-conditioned buildings. If your home doesn’t have AC, try to locate the nearest air-conditioned shelter in your area
• Try not to rely on a fan as your main source of cooling when it’s very hot
• Drink more water than you think you need and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to start
• Don’t use the stove or oven to cook
• Wear loose, light-colored clothing
• Take cold baths
• Do not engage in strenuous physical activity
• Have a friend or neighbor check in on you

Caregiver Checklist

If you’re taking care of an aging loved one during the summer, make sure to pay close attention to them on particularly hot days. Keep in mind the following questions as you check in with them:

• Are they drinking enough water?
• Do they have access to air conditioning?
• Do they know how to keep cool?
• Do they show signs of heat stress?

Local Heat Shelters

Phoenix has several Salvation Army Heat Relief Shelters throughout the city and surrounding areas. You can come in for hydration and cooling at any time during normal operating hours. During those extremely hot days, however, they take it up a notch. “Hot days” in this case are any day the National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning from May through September, including weekends, but excluding federal holidays. During those days, you will see increased signage for the heat relief stations, along with outdoor canopies with workers handing out water to anyone walking by. They will also go out in the surrounding neighborhoods and pass out water to those in need. See below for a list of locations in the Phoenix Area:

Phoenix Citadel Corps, 628 N. Third Ave.

Phoenix Maryvale Corps, 4318 W. Clarendon Ave.

Ray & Joan Kroc Center Phoenix, 1375 E. Broadway Road

The Salvation Army Phoenix Family Services Office, 2707 E. Van Buren St., Bldg. 2

Griswold is Here to Help

Click here to check out a recent interview our Director, Dustin Jackson, did on Fox 10 News. He speaks on the dangers seniors face during the summer months, proactive measures to take, staying connected, and looking for alternative activities.

If you’re looking for some support, we’ve got you covered. Through our Respite Care, one of our Caregivers can come by for a couple of hours a week to a couple of days a month. Giving you the break you may need. During the summer, our Caregivers can help prepare low-cooked meals not using the oven, ensure access and encourage consumption of water and electrolyte drinks, and lay out daily attire that is breathable and lightweight, to name a few examples.

Think Home Care might be what you’re looking for? Click below to contact us! We’d be happy to chat with you about all your options. If you elect for Care, we will put together a personalized care plan and can have a Caregiver to your home within 24 hours in most cases.