Fourth of July Safety Tips for Seniors in Rogers, AR
The beauty of Rogers, AR, is hard to deny, and spending time outdoors on the 4th of July is very tempting. However, with the EPA relating increased challenges with heat each year, looking after your loved ones is imperative.
If you are with a senior family member, what are some Fourth of July safety tips to keep everyone safe?
Below, we help you understand several options for how to look after any senior loved ones you care for. Read on to learn how we can assist you if you are part of our community, and discover the level of care we provide to our residents. So, enjoy your 4th of July celebrations, but take holiday precautions to ensure that you all remain safe.
Fourth of July Safety Tips for Older Adults in Rogers
One of the key older adult safety tips we have is to simply stay out of the sun and ensure that those who are in the heat get plenty of hydration. For example:
- Celebrate before 11:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. when the sun is lower
- Set up shaded areas with folding chairs and fans
- Have spray-bottle mist and coolers with water available at all times
- Supply low-sugar electrolyte drinks and ensure everyone has them
- Offer chilled fruit cups to those who are flagging
Don't forget to take care of yourself, too. When you care for others, it can often be much too easy to forget yourself. As such, no matter whether you leave our community or stay with us, the common phrase we would use is:
"Put on your oxygen mask before anyone else's."
The U.S. government has issued information on common heat-related maladies, such as heat stroke, in which the body's temperature rises above 104°F. As such, ensure you have all the necessary information to protect those you care for.
Also, remain vigilant about the weather. In Arkansas, it can sometimes shift at a moment's notice, so don't forget to check whether you can expect a sudden change in the forecast.
Firework Safety for Older Adults in Rogers
If you plan to watch fireworks, such as the City of Rogers display held every year locally, remember that you can receive up to four free tickets per household.
Rogers summer celebrations are free if you bring identification with you, proving you live in the area. These organized events are often much safer than doing it yourself, even if you are firework fans, so if you can get out of the house to go there, do so.
If you or a loved one has pets, however, make sure they remain indoors, as they can easily startle. Should you notice any unleashed pets at the location, maintain your vigilance, as they could potentially startle and knock over a senior member of your family or a friend.
In the case of a home fireworks display, be sure to follow all applicable city ordinances as well. The use of fireworks on city property, including parks and trails, is strictly prohibited. If you want to involve the Morada Rogers Senior Living community, however, you will need to discuss the details with the staff before setting anything off.
Also, if the weather is particularly warm, pay special attention to local warnings about the use of fireworks, as they may be banned due to dry grass conditions.
Ensure that you take all precautions to keep those with you safe. According to the CSPC, in one year alone, people in the U.S. suffered almost 10,000 firework-based injuries that required them to go to the E.R. So, keep your loved ones, both senior and younger, at least 150 feet from the launch site.
We understand that it can be tempting to stand closer, but this distance gives you plenty of space to take action should something happen.
Use Earplugs or Earmuffs for Sensitive Ears
Residents at the Morada Rogers Senior Living community are often sensitive to loud noises. You should listen to your loved one to see if they feel the same way and offer them earplugs, earmuffs, or both if they suggest they would prefer it. Also, pay attention to them during the display, as they may have developed such a sensitivity over the years without realizing it.
Insert this protection before the first fireworks if they suggest that they wish for it. The noise from the earliest may be a sudden shock, and you will want to ensure that they have that protection early so that they can enjoy the rest of the display.
Remember that foam earplugs degrade over time, so consider having a couple of pairs to swap out partway through. Ensure that your loved one stays safe by using them correctly.
Senior-Friendly Events and Activities at Morada Rogers
Here in the Morada Rogers Senior Living community, our residents will have plenty to do, even if they stay indoors. The 4th of July is all about celebrating independence, remembering our past, and looking towards the future of the good old U.S. of A, and we want to enjoy that as much as possible.
Having family around only makes it better, as it involves more people to celebrate with. Discuss the event with our staff at the concierge desk to discover some key activities you can join in on.
Join your loved ones for a meal. Maybe bring some pre-prepared options for setting up in an apartment kitchenette, or if your loved ones have a kitchen, you could enjoy cooking some of the dishes with them.
After the meal, spend time with as much of your family as you can bring without it being overwhelming, and consider a patio celebration with story-sharing and songs to round out the evening.
Independence Day With Your Loved One
Have the confidence that these Fourth of July safety tips can offer during celebrations. With the above tactics, you will protect your whole family and still get the most out of the event.
If your loved ones are not already with Morada Rogers, the above should give you an idea of the care we take to look after residents in our community. So, why not book a tour around our apartments or cottages and see the full scale of what we have on offer for seniors today?