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Caring in the Summer: Tips for Family Caregivers During the Busy Season

Summer in Illinois is truly magical. Long summer days on the lake, barbecues with friends and family, weekend getaways to Chicago, and street festivals make summer the perfect time to get out and enjoy the season.

But if you’re a family caregiver, these activities can add more stress to an already full plate. Between managing your loved one’s needs and balancing summer fun for the rest of your family, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

The good news? You don’t have to do it all alone. With a few simple strategies and support, you can care for your loved one and enjoy the best of an Illinois summer.

Plan ahead for changing summer schedules

Longer days, school breaks, vacations, and summer events can disrupt even the most organized caregiving routines.

Try these tips to stay on top of your schedule:

• Use a shared calendar app with family and friends to coordinate appointments and check-ins. Make sure to add events your loved one is attending, such as barbecues with the family, baseball games, or special events.
• Look up upcoming events in your neighborhood to avoid traffic, street closures, and large crowds. Plan extra time to get your loved one from A to B.
• Refill prescriptions and schedule doctor visits in advance—especially before vacations.
• Block off time for your own plans, whether it’s a weekend trip or a relaxing afternoon at home.

Keep cool and stay safe

Hot, humid summers in Illinois can pose serious health risks—especially for older adults. Dehydration and heat-related illnesses can sneak up quickly when you’re outside enjoying summer fun.

Protect your loved one with these summer care tips:

• Keep water and other hydrating options on hand, always. Fill reusable water bottles the night before plans. If your loved one isn’t the biggest water drinker, try flavoring it with fruit, using electrolyte packets, or offering refreshing treats such as low-sugar popsicles.
• Plan outings in the early morning or evening when it’s cooler outside.
• Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and stroke, including dizziness, headaches, or confusion—and don’t hesitate to get help.
• Try portable fans or misters to keep cool in the summer heat. Hats and visors are great ways to block the sun.
• Reapply sunscreen frequently and consider UPF-protected clothing.

Need a break from the heat?

• Visit a new museum or a op-up art installation
• Watch a movie in the theaters
• See what’s happening at a nearby senior center
• Explore a local botanical garden or conservatory with shaded paths
• Take a scenic drive with the A/C on and stop for ice cream
• Spend time at a library or bookstore café
• Attend a free indoor concert or lecture at a community center
• Visit an aquarium or indoor zoo exhibit

Don’t forget your own self-care

Summer brings a full calendar—but you don’t have to do everything on your own. Give yourself permission to recharge, relax, and enjoy the summer without guilt.

• Take a walk in a park or forest preserve. Meet a friend for lunch on a patio. Continue enjoying your hobbies.
• Schedule short breaks, like a weekend getaway or a summer vacation with the kids. Consider using respite care or home care to ensure that your loved one is being taken care of while you’re away.
• Lean on your support systems to step in when you need help. Family members, friends, and even professional care can help relieve some of the stresses of caregiving.
• And remember—you deserve to enjoy summer too.

Feeling overwhelmed? Look into home care help.

As a caregiver, it’s okay to ask for help—in fact, it’s one of the most loving things you can do for both yourself and your loved one.

Home care services from Family Home Health Network are designed to make daily life easier, safer, and more manageable for both you and your loved one. Whether you need help a few hours a week or more regular support, our experienced caregivers can assist with:

• Personal care (like bathing and dressing)
• Light housekeeping and meal prep
• Medication reminders and companionship
• Specialized dementia care

The best part? We serve families across Chicagoland—including Oak Park, Naperville, Glencoe, and beyond—so reliable support is always close to home.

Caregiving in the summer doesn’t have to mean giving everything up. With the right planning, support, and self-care, you can find time to rest, recharge, and make new memories under the sun.