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.

 Online FB Group Support

I hear all too often the AC role is isolating so I have built up an online community to help support other AC's worldwide in our little hub.Lots of special promotions, free giveaways  and a great resource of files on activities is available to all members free.

You can join the group here 

-.https://www.facebook.com/groups/lovejoycentregroup
I also do a monthly newsletter you can sign up here and get my free eBook-

 To get your free copy of our ebook: "10 Top Tips for Engaging and Stimulating Activities With The Elderly"
Please click below:http://eepurl.com/Iw9p1

Until next time,

Keep Shining,

Ann Marie  x

Ten AC Life Hacks That You Can Use With Your Residents

Hi Everyone,
I cannot believe we are already half way through this year. As it is summertime  it is often  a time when lots of fund raising ideas and outdoor activities come into play for you to do with your resident's.
Money can be a big issue for lots of AC's  so in this blog I am going to share what you can do as cheap as chips for you and your residents.

I have compiled a list for you to help with some ideas-

1. Cake Sale-
 Go to Asda  or any other supermarket where you can buy cake mix packets for 20p, yes 20p and all you do is add an egg and you can make sponge cakes to sell and raise money for your residents fund and also get them involved in baking as an activity as well.


2.Reminiscence Ball-

Go to the pound shop and get a blow up beach ball, with a sharpie  write on the ball  conversation prompt questions like, what is your favourite colour? What season do you like? etc.
The idea is to get the ball passed around and whoever's turn it is chooses a question and answers it and then the AC can use it as a discussion point to engage the rest of the group.

3. Bubbles-

Yes, soap bubbles are playful, stimulative and fun. Once again easily bought for a £1 for 3 and this can be used anytime if you decide to have a fun 5 minute activity with your residents, they could try to catch the bubbles whilst singing I am forever blowing bubbles.

4. Balloon Tennis-

Once again Pound shop pack of 30 balloons and a packet of fly swats to use for balloon tennis with your residents.

5. Library-

Either take your residents to  the library or get the mobile library to visit your home when they are in the area. They have cd's, reminiscence resources and talking books so something for everyone.


6. Local Clubs-

Contact local dance schools, colleges, boy scouts, girl guides to come and visit the home and provide free entertainment for your residents.


7. Local Churches and Religious  Groups-

Ask if they have resources for community programmes  that come to visit and provide free entertainment like sing along, musicians , companionship in their groups, you will find this would be free and available and they would be delighted to come along and be a blessing to your home.

8. Local Business-
Approach local business and ask for FREE donations for you to raffle when you do your summer fetes and fairs. People are generous and will donate to you for your home.

9.  Local Nurseries School-
If you have a local nursery near you go speak to them and get an inter generational programme going. Invite the nursery to visit you every month , week or fortnight and this would be so beneficial to your residents and the children.
Set up joint art sessions, sing a along etc each time they come together, the benefits are so amazing on  both sides and it is FREE. 

10. Get Your Frugal On-
Always be on the look out for free resources you can use, British Legion do wonderful FREE packs they send out for Remembrance Sunday, There are resources  that you can subscribe to and get a month's free trail that you use and cancel if you  do not wish to continue at the end of the free trail.
Charity shops have puzzles for £1,local museums have reminiscence boxes to loan  at minimal charges and some will even come out for free to do a talk.


I hope you found this useful.

I hear all too often the AC role is isolating so I have built up an online community to help support other AC's worldwide in our little hub.Lots of special promotions, free giveaways  and a great resource of files on activities is available to all members free.

You can join the group here -.https://www.facebook.com/groups/lovejoycentregroup
I also do a monthly newsletter you can sign up here and get my free eBook-

 To get your free copy of our ebook: "10 Top Tips for Engaging and Stimulating Activities With The Elderly"
Please click below:http://eepurl.com/Iw9p1


Wishing you all well and until next time keep shining.
Love,
Ann Marie xxx