If you are a caregiver or work at RISE Services, Inc. Arizona as a direct support professional (DSP), you may be planning some fun outdoor summer activities with family members or friends. While we want you to have fun, we also want you to stay safe. Below are a few summer safety tips that will keep you, your loved ones, and those you serve happy, cool, and healthy all summer long.

Dehydration: Signs & Treatment 

Dehydration can easily happen simply by spending too much time in the sun and not drinking enough water. If you or the person you’re caring for has any of the symptoms below, you may already be dehydrated:

• Adults: Thirst, less frequent urination, dry skin, dry mouth, fatigue, confusion, dizziness, light-headedness, and increased heart rate and breathing.
• Children: Dry mouth and tongue, no tears when crying, no wet diapers for several hours, sunken abdomen, eyes, or cheeks, listlessness, and irritability.

If the dehydration is mild, the best thing to do is drink a lot of water. Drink more than you think you need. If you or the individual is experiencing a majority of the symptoms listed above, it may be a good idea to call your provider or visit an urgent care clinic.

Heat Exhaustion: Signs & Treatment

Heat exhaustion is the result of extreme exposure to the sun. When this happens, the best thing to do is take yourself or the individual to the nearest walk-in clinic, as medical attention may be necessary. Some of the most common symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• headaches and dizziness.
• disorientation or confusion.
• sluggishness or fatigue.
• high body temperature.
• rapid heartbeat.
• hallucinations.
• loss of consciousness.

More Summer Safety Tips 

Practice these other summer safety tips to prevent, as much as possible, either dehydration or heat exhaustion:

• Drink plenty of water.
• Wear sunblock and reapply every few hours.
• Bring sunglasses to protect your eyes.
• Always remain with a child or individual with a developmental or physical disability while swimming in a pool or at the beach.

Stay Safe & Have Fun

Along with staying safe while enjoying the amazing weather, be sure to have lots of fun. If you care for an individual with a developmental disability and need some extra help, RISE Services Arizona supports individuals with disabilities as well as their families. Contact us today to ask about our family support services, senior in-home care services, and early intervention services for children.

Source: “Dehydration and Heat Stroke.” Web article. Johns Hopkins Medicine. The Johns Hopkins University, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Johns Hopkins Health System, Web. 20 Jun. 2022.