Keeping elderly people safe in a heatwave
- Close the curtains or pull down blinds to prevent direct sunlight entering rooms
- Fans – traditional, electric, battery operated – they all help to cool you down and increase air-flow,
- Avoid going out unless early morning and late evening, even then wear a wide-brimmed hat or cap.
- Wear loose clothing, cotton is cool whilst synthetics dry faster if they become wet with perspiration,
- If they do need to go out – sun cream with a high SP factor ( at least 20)
- Cool someone down by putting their wrists under a running cold tap. This cools the part of the brain responsible for heat regulation.
Hydration and nutrition.
- Fluids, fluids and fluids, ensure they drink plenty. Have a jug of water or squash to hand at all times for someone less mobile,
- Ice lollies, ice cream, ice in drinks all helps to cool someone elderly down,
- Encourage them to eat plenty of salads with juicy ingredients such as cucumber, grapes and melon.
Heat Exhaustion
The most common signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Confusion.
- Dark-coloured urine (a sign of dehydration)
- Dizziness.
- Fainting.
- Fatigue.
- Headache.
- Muscle or abdominal cramps.
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea.
Test for dehydration by gently pinching the skin on the back of the hand of a persons hand. It should still spring back, albeit slowly. If not this is a clear sign of dehydration and you need to encourage them to drink.
Dear Caron,thank you for a most enjoyable interchange with you this morning.18th September 2023.I am most grateful for your help.I know that my rollater is going to be very important for my mobility going forward.You were very,very helpful and patient with me.My friend who came with me (Mel)was very impressed.I love my new walking stick,so pretty!!Oh,by the way,you have the most amazing disabled toilet ever.Wow !!Simply stunning 🤩. Love Jenny (Flockton)