Caring Through the Seasons: Enhancing Wellbeing for the Elderly During Summer

Caring Through the Seasons: Enhancing Wellbeing for the Elderly During Summer

As temperatures rise and routines shift, summer can bring both opportunities and challenges for older adults. While the season is often associated with energy and renewal, it can also pose risks for the elderly, including heat sensitivity, dehydration, and increased isolation. At Soma Healthcare, we believe every season should be filled with comfort, dignity, and connection — and summer is no exception.

By offering thoughtful, personalised support, carers and families can help ensure their loved ones remain safe, engaged, and emotionally nourished throughout the warmer months.

1. Reintroduce Simple Seasonal Pleasures

Summer offers a wealth of natural beauty and sensory experiences. For older individuals, revisiting seasonal rituals can evoke positive memories and support mental wellbeing.

• Outdoor Enjoyment: Gentle walks in shaded areas, time spent in a well-kept garden, or simply sitting outdoors during cooler hours can be uplifting and calming.
• Seasonal Nutrition: Incorporate fresh, hydrating foods such as berries, salads, and herbal teas into daily routines. Cooking or baking light summer recipes together can also offer a meaningful activity.
• Reminiscence and Memory: Encourage conversations around past summer holidays or traditions, perhaps through photo albums or storytelling.

These activities not only bring joy but also strengthen the bond between carers and those they support.

2. Prioritise Health and Comfort in the Heat

Older adults are particularly vulnerable to extreme temperatures. Carers and family members should take proactive steps to manage heat exposure and ensure a safe environment.

• Hydration: Encourage regular fluid intake throughout the day. Easily accessible water, hydrating snacks, and reminders can be helpful.
• Temperature Control: Keep living spaces well-ventilated or air-conditioned where possible. Use fans, light clothing, and cool showers to reduce discomfort.
• Activity Timing: Schedule outdoor or stimulating activities during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon.

Being mindful of the physical effects of heat allows carers to provide a secure, supportive setting for those in their care.

3. Encourage Meaningful Social Connections

Summer can sometimes increase feelings of loneliness for those with limited mobility or distant family. Social connection remains a cornerstone of emotional wellbeing.

• Small Gatherings: Where possible, organise inclusive, accessible family visits or intergenerational activities that allow the elderly to feel involved without being overwhelmed.
• Digital Inclusion: Support virtual catch-ups via phone or video call with distant friends or relatives. Many elderly individuals appreciate the consistency of planned communication.
• Local Engagement: Participate in community events, such as care-home garden parties, charity fairs, or faith-based summer activities — all tailored to suit their abilities and interests.

Facilitating connection helps combat isolation and reminds older adults they are valued and remembered.

4. Engage the Senses for a Richer Experience

Sensory activities can stimulate memory and comfort, especially for individuals with dementia or cognitive decline. Summer is the ideal time to explore a variety of sensory-based experiences.

• Visual Stimulation: Enjoy nature walks, vibrant flowers, or outdoor art displays.
• Auditory Pleasure: Listen to birdsong, calming classical music, or nostalgic summer tunes.
• Taste and Scent: Explore familiar summer smells like lavender, mint, or sun cream, and offer seasonal tastes such as fruit sorbets, herbal teas, or soft ice cream.

When used thoughtfully, sensory engagement can reduce stress, improve mood, and deepen connection with those receiving care.

Supporting Loved Ones with Soma Healthcare

At Soma Healthcare, we understand that quality care extends beyond meeting physical needs — it involves enriching lives with empathy, respect, and tailored experiences. Through simple yet meaningful adjustments, summer can become a season of joy, not discomfort.

Whether you're a family member or a professional carer, your attentiveness can make all the difference. Together, we can ensure that every individual feels seen, supported, and celebrated — all year round.