How to Keep Your Resident's Safe In Hot Weather

We have been enjoying some glorious sunshine in the UK of late, with very high temperature readings.  As an AC you need to consider being flexible with your activity schedules if the weather is too hot and also consider the well being side of your residents. The heat effects the elderly and we need to be aware of this and implications it can cause. I have put together some useful tips for you to use with your residents as you enjoy the weather at this time of year.

10 tips for older people to stay safe in their home or outside during the heatwave:

1. Avoid the hottest times of the day (usually this is between 11am – 3pm but it can vary. Today weather forecasts predict that the temperature will be at its peak at 3pm – 5pm) If you do need to venture out make sure you aren’t outside for long periods of time and find shady spots when you can.
2. Keep  them hydrated – even if  there  not thirsty it’s important to drink plenty of water or fruit juice to replace fluids lost during sweating. Avoid caffeine or alcohol which increase dehydration. Offer periodically throughout the day.
3. Pick the perfect spot – seek out the coolest areas of your home during warmer weather. Keep curtains and blinds closed to prevent sun heating up rooms, especially your bedroom.
4. Think lightweight – Help them choose clothing which is loose, lightweight, light coloured and breathable, such as a white linen or cotton shirt.
5. Cool down –  If you’re out and about, use a cotton hankie soaked in cool water and place it on the back of the  neck and on the wrists and inner elbows .
6. Cover up – in addition to wearing cooler clothing it’s also important to remember a hat. No matter whether it’s a cotton baseball cap or a straw boater, headwear will help to keep their face in the shade and the sun from beating down on the top of their heads.
7. Only if it is safe, and the temperature is predicted to reduce to a comfortable level, leave windows open during the night.
8. Turn off non-essential lights and electrical items.
9. Beware of mirrors, crystals or reflective items that are placed in direct sunlight. These can cause serious house fires if they reflect rays onto items which can catch fire.
10. A person’s ability to cope with extreme temperatures can be affected by the medication they take. Medication can affect blood pressure and respiration, and the body has to work even harder to keep cool. There is also an increased risk of falls. Avoid unnecessary exertion.

Heat -related illness-

What are the symptoms of heat-related illness?

Heat rash, heat exhaustion and heat stroke can all affect an older person’s health in different ways. While the first signs of heat-related illness can be easily treated, symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke could potentially be life threatening especially for those who’re advanced in years.

Heat rash – If a resident's skin is showing signs of irritation including redness, red spots or small blisters due to excessive sweating it could be heat rash.

Heat stress – Headaches, feeling sick or faint and a weak pulse can all be signs of heat stress or fatigue.

Heat exhaustion – If any of your residents  are lacking coordination or seems dizzy and weak it could be that their body is sending out warning signals that they’re too hot. Symptoms of heat exhaustion also include cold and clammy skin, profuse sweating and sickness.

Heat stroke – This can be potentially life-threatening if not dealt with swiftly by a medical professional. Your parent’s body temperature will have risen dangerously high and their body will no longer be able to cool itself down. They can become confused and behave strangely, feel faint with a rapid pulse and their breathing may become fast and shallow. Seizures and comas can be possible in extreme cases.

If you have any concerns and if any of your resident's are  showing signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke it’s best to call their doctor, district nurse or the emergency services as soon as possible to prevent the condition worsening.

Stay safe in the sun.

Hope you found this useful.

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Until next time,

Keep Shining,

Ann Marie  x