Seniors In Hot Weather - Part ll

This time let’s look at riding in cars with seniors. Taking Grandma with you for outings is a wonderful way to provide social contact and stimulation.   Please include your seniors in activities this summer. The following are a few cautionary notes with cars.

1. Car air conditioning varies from seat to seat. Manufacturers build knowing that every car will be occupied by a driver but not always passengers. When was the last time you rode in the “shotgun” spot? Have you ever ridden in the back seat? Try a test ride or ask someone to help you monitor air conditioning in the back.
2. Beware of back seat air conditioning that comes up from underneath the front seats.   It can feel really cold on senior feet. Then, seniors complain of being too cold while the rest of the family wants air conditioning.   Instead of turning it off, try adjusting the flow to the upper vents, or a combination of upper and lower vents. Bring a baby blanket. A lightweight blanket can help Grandma feel more comfortable without the family sweltering.
3. Beware of leaving the senior in the car while you “dash” into a store. Cars can reheat very quickly. Seniors often do not request air conditioning because they grew up in an era before cars had air conditioning! That was also the era of hand-cranked windows. If you have the car keys, how does the senior lower the window?   How many times have you run into a store for “just a minute”? Was it really a minute? Do you know ahead of time what delays you might encounter in the store? Those conditions can cause major problems for seniors.   Chronic illness, medications, and a reduced ability to tolerate heat make it necessary that you plan ahead for the senior’s safety before you “dash”. Leave the air conditioning on or roll down windows before you leave. Give your cell phone number in case your quick trip runs into overtime. Place a paper with your cell phone number prominently in the car.   Label it with your name/relationship/”CELL” in case someone else must contact you in an emergency.
4. Beware of putting Grandma in the front passenger seat. Many cars have more vents in the dashboard: these will blow directly on Grandma.   Instead, push the passenger seat forward, put a child old enough to be in the front there, and put the senior in the back.

I remember a wonderful trip that was a long drive. My Grandmother suggested she sit in the back. Sibling rivalry was in full bloom between me and my sister so Grandma sat between us. As we rode, she told us stories about when she was our age(s). She pointed out features along the way and told us about them: she had actually played in a hayloft!   When we arrived at our destination, no one was whining, or had asked, “Are we there yet?”

Just a few tips to help you have pleasant summer trips with your seniors.