Supporting Elderly Loved Ones This Summer

Thoughtful Ways to stay active, comfortable and connected

There’s something about summer that feels both hopeful and a little bit overwhelming — especially if you’re caring for someone older.

On paper, the warmer months are lovely. More daylight, more chances to get outside, and maybe even a holiday or two. But in reality, the heat can drain energy quickly, routines go out the window, and older family members can quietly slip into the background while everything else speeds up.

If you’ve ever thought, “I want to help Mum enjoy the summer, but I’m not sure how much is too much,” — you’re not alone. These moments need a careful balance. And that’s where the little things really count.

Don’t Overthink It — Water Helps More Than You’d Think

You don’t need a fancy pool to make water part of the day. Sure, gentle swimming is brilliant if it's possible — easy on the joints, calming for the mind — and many leisure centres now run senior sessions that are quiet and well supported.

But if swimming isn’t an option, there are still ways to get the same soothing effect. One lady we support keeps a wide basin in the garden just to soak her feet on warm afternoons. Another client prefers the gentle sound of a small water feature while having her tea. It’s less about activity and more about feeling cool, comfortable, and cared for.

A carer can help with all of this — organising the visit, bringing along a soft towel, or simply sitting nearby and chatting while it all happens.

A Bit of Movement Goes a Long Way

When you’re younger, “staying active” might mean long walks or fitness classes. But for someone in their seventies or eighties, movement looks different. And that’s perfectly fine.

A slow walk to the post box. Reaching to water the windowsill plants. Loosening stiff shoulders before bed. These things make more of a difference than people realise — to circulation, sleep, and even mood.

We always remind families: movement doesn’t have to be structured. It just has to feel manageable. When someone is there to offer a steady arm, hold the door, or walk at your pace, it changes everything.

That’s what many of our carers do every day — not by pushing or rushing, but by being quietly present.

Get Outside — But Keep It Gentle

Everyone’s excited to “get out in the sunshine” once it’s warm. But for older adults, hot weather and busy parks can feel overwhelming rather than uplifting.

A short walk under trees, or even just sitting with the door open, often does more good than a packed afternoon in a crowd. We’ve had clients who enjoy watching the world go by from their front step. Others prefer a shaded bench in the garden with a cold drink and a quiet conversation.

What matters is planning the time around the person. Not the calendar, not the weather app — but how they feel that day. A carer can help here too, by preparing water and snacks, checking mobility needs, and knowing when to call it a day if the energy dips.

Keep the Mind Busy in Gentle, Familiar Ways

Summer can sometimes bring a subtle kind of loneliness. Family members travel more. Neighbours stay indoors. The regular rhythm of life softens — and with it, social contact can start to fade.

That’s when the right kind of support becomes more than practical — it becomes personal. A familiar carer popping in each day brings more than assistance. They bring conversation, memory, grounding.

We often see the power of small activities. Folding light laundry. Peeling fruit for the table. Arranging fresh flowers or sorting buttons. These aren’t distractions — they’re quiet, purposeful tasks that spark recognition and peace.

Especially for those living with memory loss or confusion, these small anchors can be everything.

What We See, Every Summer, at Soma

The families we work with tell us the same thing every year: “We just want Dad to feel included. We want her to feel part of things — not left behind.”

That’s exactly what we aim for. Our carers support not just the physical side of life, but the emotional and social side too. It’s about protecting dignity, recognising limits, and finding little moments of joy — even if it’s just ten minutes in the sun with a cool drink.

Some families need a little help a few days a week. Others rely on daily visits. Either way, our job is to make summer feel manageable, meaningful — and, at times, even beautiful.