Celebrating our country's independence is a lovely holiday, but how can you do so safely?
Did you know that there are nearly 10,000 fireworks-related injuries every year, according to the CPSC? What Fourth of July safety tips can help you stay safe?
Athens, Tennessee, is a great location for your Fourth of July fun. Whether you're here for the proximity to the mountains, the beautiful summer weather, or the patriotism of the Volunteer State, there's always an event nearby for you.
If you're interested in learning about senior holiday safety, we're here to help. Whether you're focused on memory care precautions or on safety within assisted living, there's so much to know! Read on for a quick overview.
When you think of the Fourth of July, you likely think about the fireworks first and foremost. Fireworks are a must for most senior-friendly celebration ideas.
Unfortunately, fireworks are also one of the most dangerous parts of your July 4th safety planning. Here are some of the things to keep in mind while planning.
It's crucial to understand where fireworks are and are not legal in Athens, Tennessee. Fireworks within city limits are strictly prohibited and are not legal to use, store, or sell.
However, while they're illegal in the city limits, they're legal in the unincorporated areas of McMinn County. That means that there are plenty of areas around Athens that you and your family can set fireworks off near. But figuring out the exact jurisdiction is a huge headache that fills your Independence Day with unnecessary worry.
Instead, you should attend the shows that many others put on. The City of Athens has plenty of fireworks events that are perfect for your July 4th safety planning measures.
Still, many people travel for these holidays. Because of that, you must know proper firework safety!
It's a reality that we slow down as we age. Per the Census, there are almost eleven million seniors dealing with difficulties climbing or walking.
In your daily life, these mobility issues can pose a challenge. But in your time with fireworks, mobility issues make it more difficult to get to safety if something goes wrong. Because of this, we recommend avoiding anything that can create a large or intense explosion
Make sure you're also familiar with the laws surrounding fireworks! Most fireworks that leave the ground are illegal in all of Tennessee.
At TerraBella Athens, we know that safety doesn't have to mean boring. We have a large swathe of activities that are focused on keeping you engaged and active without risking your health. Browse our activities to see what you can fill your day with.
Firework precautions are crucial, but what else can we focus on for senior holiday safety? No list of Fourth of July safety tips is complete without focusing on how to beat the heat and deal with the noise.
July 4th safety planning needs to consider how intense the heat can become for seniors. A study from Harvard found that about 12,000 people in the United States die of heat-related causes annually. Roughly 80% of them are above the age of 60!
Managing the heat is paramount, especially for assisted living safety. Some ways to do so include:
Another vital step is to make sure that you put hydration into your senior-friendly celebration ideas. Access to water -- whether it be a healthy supply or nearby stores -- is crucial to keeping everyone safe.
Dehydration can lead to headaches, dizziness, and more dangerous symptoms. Seniors may struggle more than most with dehydration, as it can worsen existing symptoms.
One of the largest threats to safety during the holidays is how easy it is to get disoriented. That's especially the case for older adults and seniors who need assistance with memory care.
Make sure that you include memory care precautions in your July 4th safety planning. Consider how large any events you're attending will be and what you'll need to keep each other safe. Some things to consider are:
A great way to make crowds more manageable is to use ear protection. Ear protection will reduce the noise of the crowd and avoid discomfort, disorientation, or injury.
Don't worry, earplugs won't deafen you! They'll just make it so that the loudest sounds are quieted down to a manageable volume.
We also recommend always making sure people are partnered up when walking around. Doing so is a great way to ensure anyone who's overheating or injured can get care immediately.
Planning your Independence Day around your memory care precautions is much safer and simpler than you may expect. While these bustling events are fun, they're also rather dangerous.
We recommend taking the time to look at other planned events around you. Dinner plans early in the evening, patriotic parades, or a day out on some of the many lakes and rivers that cross over Athens.
These events help you enjoy your community and the rich nature of Tennessee. What's more patriotic than enjoying the splendor of our nation without the risk of the crowds?
Bringing your Fourth of July safety tips to fruition during the festivities will help make sure everyone stays safe during your July 4th safety planning.
Focus on hydration and the danger of overheating first, then make sure that all fireworks are being executed safely. That way, the most important factors of senior holiday safety are being handled first.
At TerraBella Athens, we know that retirement doesn't mean giving up the things you love. Settled into the tranquility of the Great Smoky Mountains, our individualized care plans help you get the best care possible in our pet-welcoming community. Contact us to see how we can add more joy to your retirement.