This morning in Urasoe, Okinawa, the sky is clear, with temperatures around 30°C and humidity at 76%—the air has that classic midsummer feel. Strong sunlight has been streaming in since early morning, making the roofs of the foreigner housing in Minatogawa gleam white on this muggy summer morning. During this time of year in Okinawa, heatstroke alerts are common, and daily routines tend to be influenced by the weather. Today, I’ll be documenting the morning scenery in Minatogawa and the daily life of home care.
☀️ The Morning Sky Over Minatogawa and Signs of the Season
It was already muggy at 6:00 a.m., and the sound of cicadas rang out loudly. The town of Minatogawa visible from the balcony was partly cloudy, yet the sunlight was intense—it was the kind of sky that made me feel, “Okinawa’s summer is really kicking into high gear.”
On days when a heatstroke alert is in effect, my mother’s health tends to become unstable, and in fact, her appetite has been waning a bit. That’s why, since around spring, I’ve been making an effort to help her gain weight little by little, but seasonal changes like this directly impact our daily care routine.
🍚 Morning Care and Meal Strategies
This morning was a leisurely Saturday. When I woke my mother up while watching the news, she kept saying, “I’m going back to sleep~” and tried to crawl back under the covers several times. As soon as she returned from the bathroom, I had her sit in a chair and said, “Let’s eat breakfast and take your medicine before you go back to sleep.”
Since her appetite tends to drop on hot days, I focus on foods that go down easily, like chilled tofu and mekabu seaweed. Mixing mekabu into her rice seems to make it easier for her to eat, and she managed to finish her meal today as well.
Lately, I’ve also been making rice porridge with plenty of ingredients. She enjoys eating it because it’s soupy and full of various ingredients, so it’s becoming a staple menu item for the hot season.
🚶♀️ “Urasoe, Elderly Care, Falls” — Weakening Legs and Hips, and a Consultation with the Care Manager
Lately, my mother’s legs and hips have been noticeably weakening. She’s been staggering more often while walking, and since she fell at San-A the other day, my worries are growing.
I still feel somewhat reassured at home because the floors are soft, but concrete surfaces when she’s out and about are still a cause for concern. When the care manager visited the other day, the topic of falls came up, and we had a somewhat in-depth discussion about “what to do going forward” and “whether a care facility is an option.”
My mother has a sociable personality and says, “If I can’t walk anymore, I want to move into a facility so I can talk to all kinds of people.” As a family, we have mixed feelings about this, but considering her personality, that might be one form of happiness for her.
📺 How We’re Spending Today and Small Pleasures
Today, my mother declared, “I’m not going out.” Starting in the evening, she’ll watch her favorite sumo matches. Her recent favorite is “Utsukushii Umi,” and she’s cheering and sighing in front of the TV as the wrestlers win and lose.
Once the sumo is over, it’s time for high school baseball. Having something to look forward to with each season is a vital source of support for home care.
🌿 Tips for Caregiving in the Hot Season
During the height of summer in Okinawa, “meal planning, hydration, and room temperature management” are essential for caregiving.
Appetites tend to wane on days with high humidity.
Soups and cold side dishes are easy to eat and help ensure proper nutrition.
Making extra portions of prepared side dishes in advance makes meal prep easier, even on hot days.
Since the risk of falls increases, limit outings to short periods during the coolest parts of the day.
Check the indoor temperature and humidity frequently.
These small adjustments contribute to peace of mind in home care.
🌸 Summary
The summer sky over Minatogawa was dazzling again today, and I was able to watch over my mother as she spent her day relaxing under it. During the hot season, both physical condition and mood can fluctuate easily, but I feel that it’s most important not to push yourself too hard and to spend your time peacefully within your limits.
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