Following a blazing hot summer period that saw much of the UK experiencing multiple heatwaves, professionals across the care and healthcare sectors have been trying to improve awareness of the very real dangers heat can pose to older adults.
Data shows that heat-related illnesses such as hyperthermia are much more likely to impact older people and those with underlying conditions, with over 12,000 individuals hospitalised and 1,200 fatalities linked to heatwaves per year.
Guardian Angel Carers, a nationwide and sector-leading team of home care specialists, has put together some vital information to help families understand how to safeguard the welfare of their loved ones.
Spotting the Signs of Heat-Related Illness in Older People
The first advice we’ll share is essential, and ensures anyone caring for a relative, parent, or partner acts quickly at the first sign that their loved one has become unwell. Adults over 65 and those with heart health conditions or limited mobility are more likely to become ill during hot weather, so staying vigilant could prevent a mild illness from becoming more serious.
It’s also sometimes tricky to know if an older person is genuinely unwell, because some of the symptoms, such as confusion, can be mistaken for other diagnoses, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. This is why families are often in the best position to notice something amiss, since they’ll know their loved ones and what is and isn’t normal for them.
Heat stroke can indeed cause confusion and headache, which can progress into dizziness. Some people lose their appetite and feel nauseous, have cramps in their stomach or limbs, and might look pale with clammy, excessively sweaty skin. Other signs include a fast pulse or heavy breathing, complaining of being very tired, or having a temperature of 38 °C or higher.
If you're unsure, always contact the emergency services, head to your nearest urgent care centre, or call 111, because it's much better to be safe and to ensure your loved one has a medical professional check them over.
How to Help an Older Loved One Remain Well During Hot Weather
Hydration is fundamental, and lots of older people can forget to drink enough. Combined with heat, this can lead to muscle cramps and weakness. Adding water or juice to every meal tray, offering fresh fruits such as melon slices, stocking up on snacks like ice cream, and replacing coffee or tea with decaffeinated alternatives can all help.
Even if your loved one doesn't feel particularly thirsty, you can encourage them to take regular sips of water, and bring water with you on trips out, ideally in a thermos-style bottle to ensure it stays cool and refreshing.
Keeping Your Home Cool and Comfortable in a Heatwave
Very few UK homes have air conditioning, so it’s wise to keep the curtains drawn on any windows that have direct sunlight. Closing the curtains throughout the day will stop the room from heating up to begin with.
Opening windows overnight, where this is safe, is a great way to maintain a cool indoor temperature and also helps filter out stuffy air. You can use fans and keep a steady supply of cool, damp towels, which work really well draped around the neck.
Another tip is to prepare a bowl of cool – not freezing cold – water, and to ask your loved one to gently dip their toes if they’re feeling the heat.
Preparing Meals for an Older Relative in the Summer
Most of us feel a bit less hungry in the heat, but eating and having a great balance of nutrition is key. Cooler meals are easier to eat, and you can prepare sandwiches, salads, or snacks like sausage rolls.
It's preferable to avoid turning on the hob or cooker if possible, as this can increase the heat inside. However, if you need to cook, consider batch cooking meals in the evening after the sun has gone down, or earlier in the morning.
Picking Breathable Hot Weather Clothes for a Care Recipient
Our clothes make a big impact on our body temperature, and anything that conserves heat, or too many layers, can elevate the risk of heat stroke. If your loved one has a preferred style or type of clothing they wear habitually, you can buy similar shirts, trousers, or dresses made from breathable natural fabrics that will help them avoid overheating.
Lighter colours and looser-fitting clothes are ideal, as they don't absorb heat when outdoors and keep air circulating around the skin.
Helping a Loved One Manage in the Summer if You’re Unable to Visit
We regularly speak with families worried about the welfare of a loved one. If they live some distance away, or are dealing with other responsibilities or working daytime hours, it can be impossible to find a way to be everywhere at once!
Staying connected is crucial, and if your loved one is otherwise independent and well, you can take steps to check in on them regularly, with FaceTime or voice calls, digital texts, or e-notes.
It's also a great idea to write down a list of emergency numbers or pre-programme these into mobiles, landline phones, and tablets. Having a speed dial button for every emergency contact, and for services like 999, a next-door neighbour, a carer, or a family member, can give enormous peace of mind that help is only a button-push away.
Otherwise, you may wish to consider a visiting care service, something our teams around the UK offer on a flexible basis.
Care visits can be short pop-ins to check the person is happy and well, has a fresh meal for lunch or dinner, and has remembered to take their medications. They can also be arranged over any duration you'd like, such as a few hours in the afternoon to keep loneliness at bay, help with personal care, and manage any household tasks like cleaning and laundry.
Guardian Angel Carers coordinates with thousands of families to offer extra care during the summer, or on an ongoing basis, and you are welcome to contact any of our nationwide teams at your convenience if you think this might be the best way of protecting your peace of mind and the health of your loved one.
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About Guardian Angel Carers
Guardian Angel Carers is a leading home care provider dedicated to delivering compassionate, personalised care services. With a strong focus on independence, dignity, and quality of life, the company supports individuals in the comfort of their own homes, offering a range of services from companionship to complex care needs.
Published by: Steve OBrien