June 21st of every year marks the beginning of summer, and we still have more than a month till the first day of fall on September 22nd. Although those who live on the West Coast may feel the heat long before. For elderly patients and their caregivers, staying indoors all summer because of excessive heat can get really tiring.
In fact, by August, both of you may begin to tear each others’ hair out. Here are four cool places that you can take your patient this summer to beat the heat and have a little fun at the same time:
1. Get Back to Nature
As a kid, I loved visiting nature conservatories, namely Busch Gardens. We often went in the summer and made it a family affair. Being around nature, peculiar animals, trees and more is a whole lot of fun. You can change what m ay have been a hot, miserable day into a shady, peaceful one. Nature conservatories can sometimes be found in the most unusual of places, for example, UCLA Medical Center has one on its West Los Angeles campus. Check your local phone directory or search Nature.org to find conservatory near you.
2. Hit the Boardwalk
During the summer, local beaches are inundated with people, but there are many entertaining areas just begging for you to discover. If you cruise the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles, California for example, don’t be surprised if you see some fabulous musicians, sultry belly dancers or strange-looking mimes as you drift down the boardwalk. Coastal areas are usually at least 20 degrees cooler than inland areas. And, you don’t have to visit Los Angeles to have some entertaining fun at the beach. Check your local city hall, newspaper or Internet for coastal attractions available in your area. You are likely to find many of them.
3. Plant a Seed
I remember watching a movie once that featured a community garden and thinking what an innovative idea. Community gardens are gorgeous to visit and are supported by individuals who want to make a difference in their communities. Not every city has one, but if you search, you may be surprised. You can also check the American Community Gardening Association for more information.
4. Go Fishing
When I was 4 years old, I won a prize for catching the biggest trout of the season in Green Valley Lake. I threw it back of course, because, even as a child, the nurse in me didn’t want the fish to suffer. Fishing generally equates itself to someplace cool, like a breezy lake or windy ocean. And, local fish conservatories have plenty of fish just waiting to find a home - in your belly most likely. But remember, if your goal is to remain harmonious with nature, go ahead and catch then release.
Heat-related problems can be dangerous particularly if you are elderly and have a chronic illness. Why not try something new this summer to keep you and your patient free from boredom, cool, and safe at the same time.
Tags: assisted living, caregiving, Healthcare, mental health, seniors, summer, travel
