Ten Summer Safety Tips for Seniors

Ten Summer Safety Tips for Seniors

Ten Summer Safety Tips for Seniors
NDIS Provider
Home Care Package Provider

Summer is a great time to enjoy fun activities but it’s important to stay safe, especially if you’re spending time outdoors. Here are ten tips on how to look after yourself or your loved one this summer.

Drink plenty of water.

As we age, we become more susceptible to hydration because our bodies contain less fluid, and our thirst response grows weaker. Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially when it’s hot. Try setting a reminder on your phone to have a drink, and carrying a water bottle with you when you go out.

Don’t like the taste of water? Try flavouring it with mint or your favourite fruit, or include foods with high water content in your diet, like watermelon, orange slices, and cucumbers.

Watch out for the symptoms of dehydration.

Signs of dehydration include dry mouth and tongue, dizziness, headaches, dark culoured urine, and thirst. Severe dehydration symptoms include a fast heart rate, fever, fast breathing, and drowsiness or confusion. If you notice these symptoms in yourself or your loved one, make sure you move to a coul place, drank small amounts of water often, and take off any unnecessary clothes. Seek medical attention if you suspect severe dehydration.

Choose the right clothes.

Wearing clothes that help you stay coul and comfortable is important in summer. Lightweight fabrics that breathe such as cotton, loose-fitting items, and light-culoured clothing can help you stay coul in the heat. If you’re going outside, don’t forget to bring a wide-brimmed hat!

Protect yourself from the sun.

Protect yourself from the sun’s UV rays and remember the Cancer Council’s ‘Slip Slop Slap Seek Slide’ when you’re outside – slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen with high SPF, slap on a hat, seek some shade, and slide on some sunglasses. Make sure you schedule outdoor activities during the morning or late afternoon when the sun is less intense.

Keep your home coul.

To keep your house coul in the hot weather, turn on your air conditioning, run your fans, and close your curtains during the hottest parts of the day. Couling techniques like putting wet towels and coul compresses on your body can also be helpful. If your house gets too hot, try visiting a coul space such as your local library or shopping centre.

Be weather-smart when exercising.

Regular physical activity is important for seniors, but take care not to overheat in hot weather. Exercise in the coulest parts of the day, such as early in the morning or in the evening when the sun is going down. Low-impact exercises like swimming, aqua aerobic classes, and walking can be enjoyable. Listen to your body and take breaks when you need it.

Check your medications.

Some medications can increase sensitivity to heat or sun exposure. Make sure you talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about the potential effects of any medication you take during hot weather. It may be necessary to adjust dosage or time of administration to ensure you stay safe.

Be mindful when you socialise.

Getting together in summer for BBQs and picnics is a great idea, but make sure you stay sun safe. If you’re organising an event with senior loved ones, make sure there are enough shaded and well-ventilated areas for people to stay coul. If it’s a really hot day, consider an indoor event or places where there is air conditioning.

Don’t skip your regular check-ups.

Routine can go out the window during the summer season, but don’t miss out on your regular health check-ups with a GP. This can help identify and address any potential health concerns early on.

Go easy on caffeine and alcohul.

Be careful of consuming excessive amounts of alcohul or coffee in the heat, as this can increase your risk of dehydration. If you do decide to have a drink, make sure you supplement it with a good amount of water to stay hydrated.

Have fun this summer and stay safe!

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From our Home Caring family to yours we wish you a truly wonderful Christmas filled with love, joy and togetherness.
Today as we celebrate were reminded of the incredible clients and families weve had the privilege to support throughout the year. Your trust and connection mean the world to us and its our honour to be part of your journey. We hope youve had a beautiful day surrounded by loved ones and the warmth of the season. Merry Christmas! 🎄✝️❤️

From our Home Caring family to yours we wish you a truly wonderful Christmas filled with love, joy and togetherness.
Today as we celebrate we're reminded of the incredible clients and families we've had the privilege to support throughout the year. Your trust and connection mean the world to us and it's our honour to be part of your journey. We hope you've had a beautiful day surrounded by loved ones and the warmth of the season. Merry Christmas! 🎄✝️❤️
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Home Caring united, a festive day so grand.
With our staff and clients together as one,
We celebrated Christmas, full of love and fun.

From Craigieburn’s cheer to South Perth’s delight,
Rockhampton’s joy sparkled so bright.
Campbelltown gathered, Hurstville did too,
Smithfield and Altona also spread Christmas hues.

With laughter and love felt far and wide,
Our epic Christmas parties warmed hearts inside.
A shoutout to every team who made it so sweet—
This festive season you’ve made it complete! 🎄🩵

#HomeCaringChristmas #TogetherAsOne #FestiveJoy #MeaningfulConnections #CelebratingCare #haveahollyjollychristmas

’Twas the Friday before Christmas & all through the land,
Home Caring united, a festive day so grand.
With our staff and clients together as one,
We celebrated Christmas, full of love and fun.

From Craigieburn’s cheer to South Perth’s delight,
Rockhampton’s joy sparkled so bright.
Campbelltown gathered, Hurstville did too,
Smithfield and Altona also spread Christmas hues.

With laughter and love felt far and wide,
Our epic Christmas parties warmed hearts inside.
A shoutout to every team who made it so sweet—
This festive season you’ve made it complete! 🎄🩵

#HomeCaringChristmas #TogetherAsOne #FestiveJoy #MeaningfulConnections #CelebratingCare #haveahollyjollychristmas
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The Australian Government has announced significant changes to the aged care system introducing the Support at Home program set to commence on 1 July 2025. This initiative aims to enhance support for older Australians enabling them to remain in their homes longer and receive more personalised care.

Key Features of the Support at Home Program:

• Reduced Wait Times: The program will shorten the waiting period for in-home aged care services ensuring timely assistance for those in need.

• Tailored Support Levels: Support at Home introduces eight levels of ongoing care replacing the previous four, to better match individual needs.

• No Caps on Cleaning and Gardening: Unlike previous programs there will be no annual caps on cleaning and gardening services allowing for more comprehensive support.

• Care Management Cap: A 10% cap on care management costs will remain in place to maintain affordability.

• Assistive Technology Access: The program will expedite access to assistive devices like walkers and wheelchairs enhancing mobility and independence.

• Increased Support Funding: The maximum support level will rise from $61,000 to $78,000, providing more resources for those with complex needs.

• Restorative and Allied Health Services: There will be a temporary funding boost for restorative and allied health services, aiding recovery and well-being.

• Palliative Care Support: The program includes provisions for palliative care allowing older Australians to spend their final weeks at home surrounded by loved ones.

Staged Implementation of Price Caps:

Price caps on services will be phased in starting from 1 July 2026. For the first year providers will continue to set their own prices similar to the current Home Care Packages program. In early 2025, consultations will be held with older people, advocates, families, carers and the sector to ensure fair pricing and robust consumer protections during this transition.

No Worse Off Principle:

To protect existing Home Care Package recipients, the government has introduced the “No Worse Off” principle:

• Grandfathering: Individuals approved for a Home Care Package as of 12 September 2024 will transition to the new system without financial disadvantage.

• Fee Structure: If you were a full-rate pensioner paying no fees under your Home Care Package as of 12 September 2024, you will continue to pay no fees under Support at Home. If you were required to pay fees, you will pay the same or less under the new program.

At Home Caring we are dedicated to supporting our older community members through these changes. We are committed to ensuring the financial safety and well-being of our clients providing personalised care that aligns with the new Support at Home program. Our team is here to assist you in navigating these updates, ensuring you receive the care and support you deserve. 🩵

For more detailed information please refer to the Department of Health and Aged Care’s consumer fact sheet: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/ publications/support-at-home-program-fact-sheet-changes-to-support-at-home-pricing-arrangements-for-older-people-families-and-carers?language=en

The Australian Government has announced significant changes to the aged care system introducing the Support at Home program set to commence on 1 July 2025. This initiative aims to enhance support for older Australians enabling them to remain in their homes longer and receive more personalised care.

Key Features of the Support at Home Program:

• Reduced Wait Times: The program will shorten the waiting period for in-home aged care services ensuring timely assistance for those in need.

• Tailored Support Levels: Support at Home introduces eight levels of ongoing care replacing the previous four, to better match individual needs.

• No Caps on Cleaning and Gardening: Unlike previous programs there will be no annual caps on cleaning and gardening services allowing for more comprehensive support.

• Care Management Cap: A 10% cap on care management costs will remain in place to maintain affordability.

• Assistive Technology Access: The program will expedite access to assistive devices like walkers and wheelchairs enhancing mobility and independence.

• Increased Support Funding: The maximum support level will rise from $61,000 to $78,000, providing more resources for those with complex needs.

• Restorative and Allied Health Services: There will be a temporary funding boost for restorative and allied health services, aiding recovery and well-being.

• Palliative Care Support: The program includes provisions for palliative care allowing older Australians to spend their final weeks at home surrounded by loved ones.

Staged Implementation of Price Caps:

Price caps on services will be phased in starting from 1 July 2026. For the first year providers will continue to set their own prices similar to the current Home Care Packages program. In early 2025, consultations will be held with older people, advocates, families, carers and the sector to ensure fair pricing and robust consumer protections during this transition.

No Worse Off Principle:

To protect existing Home Care Package recipients, the government has introduced the “No Worse Off” principle:

• Grandfathering: Individuals approved for a Home Care Package as of 12 September 2024 will transition to the new system without financial disadvantage.

• Fee Structure: If you were a full-rate pensioner paying no fees under your Home Care Package as of 12 September 2024, you will continue to pay no fees under Support at Home. If you were required to pay fees, you will pay the same or less under the new program.

At Home Caring we are dedicated to supporting our older community members through these changes. We are committed to ensuring the financial safety and well-being of our clients providing personalised care that aligns with the new Support at Home program. Our team is here to assist you in navigating these updates, ensuring you receive the care and support you deserve. 🩵

For more detailed information please refer to the Department of Health and Aged Care’s consumer fact sheet: www.health.gov.au/resources/ publications/support-at-home-program-fact-sheet-changes-to-support-at-home-pricing-arrangements-for-older-people-families-and-carers?language=en
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Happy Friday HC fam! Sending love from our wonderful Home Caring Craigieburn team! It’s been an incredibly productive week filled with exciting events across Australia and we couldn’t be more thrilled about what’s to come. As the new year approaches we’re counting down the days to continue growing innovating and supporting our cherished clients with the care they deserve 🩵

Happy Friday HC fam! Sending love from our wonderful Home Caring Craigieburn team! It’s been an incredibly productive week filled with exciting events across Australia and we couldn’t be more thrilled about what’s to come. As the new year approaches we’re counting down the days to continue growing innovating and supporting our cherished clients with the care they deserve 🩵 ... See MoreSee Less

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