Does Your Facility Have Sun Safety Guidelines?

Here in New Lenox, Illinois, we're experiencing our first warm, sunny day of the season! While it's tempting to just get outside and enjoy the sunshine, make sure you stop and ensure that your facility has a guideline for sun safety to protect residents from the harmful rays.

We recommend taking the following steps:

1. Ask the residents' families to purchase sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottles and hats for their loved ones to use during the warmer months. Ensure that the residents' names are written on the items. 
2. Encourage residents to wear lightweight pants and long-sleeved shirts to protect them from the sun's rays. 
3. Medications and some medical treatments can make residents more susceptible to sunburns. The nursing department should make a list of all sun-sensitive residents. 
4. Residents should be encouraged to come indoors periodically to cool off and prevent sunburn. 

Once all of that is handled - get outside and enjoy this beautiful day!