Hot weather tips for older adults & vulnerable people

Back to All Blogs

Summer is well and truly here; with the UK anticipating several heatwaves over the next few weeks and months, it’s essential to be aware of safety concerns when it gets too hot. Everyone can struggle in the heat, children, adults and the elderly alike. But older adults and vulnerable people can be particularly susceptible to developing heat stroke or heat exhaustion and dehydration. Although these health conditions can affect any age group, for older adults, these health issues can cause various complications and can be fatal for certain individuals. So knowing a safe elderly temperature range is key to ensuring everyone stays healthy during summer. 

People aged over 75 are much more vulnerable in hot weather than other age groups. Due to the kidneys becoming less active as we age, older people struggle to know when they are thirsty and don’t stay as hydrated as needed. 

We’ve got some great tips that are an ideal way to help and support your elderly or vulnerable relative or friend during the warmer months. 

Helpful tips for staying well in hotter weather 

If you know someone who is elderly or suffers from a chronic medical condition, they can be highly vulnerable to extreme hot and cold weather. As we age, our bodies struggle to regulate temperatures effectively, causing potentially dangerous health issues. Here are some helpful and easy ways to ensure that they stay out of the heat and keep cool.

• Encourage staying indoors during the hottest parts of the day – if an elderly relative, neighbour or client often spends time outdoors, try to encourage them to avoid spending too much time outside. This is especially important from 11 am to 3 pm when the sun is the hottest. 
• Make sure they have access to fluids – if your relative or client struggles with mobility, prepare a jug of water or juice with a cup and position it next to them. If an elderly individual has dementia, they may struggle even more to drink enough fluids consciously. Try sitting with them for a social cup of tea or juice and encourage them to take small sips regularly or offer fruit with high water content. 
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol consumption as this can cause dehydration. 
• Make the most of air-con – although not many homes in the UK have built-in air conditioning systems. Shopping centres, cinemas and restaurants usually have sufficient air conditioning. If your relative or client is struggling, take them for lunch at the local shopping centre where you can enjoy the cool air. If travelling to an air-conditioned location, set up a fan in their room to create a gentle breeze. 
• Shut it- keep the curtains or blinds closed throughout the day. This is a great way to prevent interior rooms from getting too hot during the daytime. Try opening some windows around the home to encourage ventilation. 

 How to spot heatwave health concerns in older adults? 

Being able to properly assess whether an elderly adult is suffering from heat exhaustion or dehydration is key. Especially during the summer months or a heatwave. Here are some typical symptoms that older adults or vulnerable individuals may demonstrate if they are suffering from dehydration and heat exhaustion

• Muscle cramps in the legs, arms and stomach 
• Confusion 
• Unusual fatigue
• Dizziness 
• Headaches
• Vomiting or nausea 
• Fast pulse 

If someone you are with shows signs of dehydration or heat exhaustion, take them somewhere cool and shaded and loosen tight clothing. Offer plenty of fluids and encourage them to take a cool shower or dab themselves with a damp sponge. If symptoms don’t alleviate after 30 minutes, you should call the GP or NHS 111.

Westwood Care Group is here to help

Keeping an eye on a vulnerable loved one can be challenging, especially during warmer weather. That’s why our expert care staff are on hand to provide the support and guidance you need to ensure your relative is safe and well. Our teams are available to provide expert training, home care and residential care to medically vulnerable and elderly individuals who require all levels of assistance and support. 

For more information on the services we provide, contact Westwood Care Group today and our team will be happy to discuss your needs and specialist requirements.

< Go to Previous Post