SMC: Stay safe this summer with occupational therapy

We are finally in the swing of summer- time to go outside for outdoor activities! This also means it is the time of year when the ER sees an uptick in elderly patients who have fallen or gotten injured outdoors. This does not mean we should give up the things that bring us joy or wrap our grandparents in bubble wrap before they leave the house. Rather, this offers an opportunity to develop strategies to stay safe while living fully.

Tip 1: Warm up to prevent injury. Our occupational therapists at SMC can help you tailor a warm-up routine to reduce stiffness and improve overall mobility before bending and pulling weeds or stacking firewood.

Tip 2: Choose the right time to get outside and stay hydrated. Older adults face a higher risk of sunburn and dehydration secondary to skin changes, medication effects, and age-related fluid regulation issues. Try to be outside before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m., when UV rays are less intense and the temperature is cooler.

Tip 3: Spread out tasks. It can be tempting to weed the entire garden bed in one sitting, but spreading tasks out can help reduce joint and muscle pain and avoid heat exhaustion. Our occupational therapists can help you break down tasks and create an action plan that is safe and easy to follow.

Tip 4: Use the right tools. A quick Amazon search will reveal a vast array of adaptive tools and devices. Our Occupational Therapists can also help you find devices that make it easier to do what you want. Where there is a will, there is a way! Age-related changes do not have to stop you from living your life. There is a hack for everything.

Tip 5: Always use a communication device. It is so important to be able to get help fast in the case of a fall or mishap. Always having access to a phone or emergency alert system could potentially save your life. Our therapists can help you choose a proper device to keep you safe.

Ask your primary care provider for a referral to Occupational Therapy at Shoshone Medical Center to help improve safety and mobility and keep you doing the things you love.