Looking after your elderly relative in the heat

#heatwave is already trending. Whether a few days of heat is really a ‘heatwave’ may be up for discussion, but what is definite is the need to take extra care during the high temperatures. At Rusthall Lodge Care Home, Tunbridge Wells, all our staff will be extra vigilant to make sure our residents are kept cool and hydrated, especially those who need nursing care, as medications can impact on your ability to cope with extreme temperatures.

If you’re looking after an elderly relative, friend or neighbour, here are our top tips for making sure they are comfortable in the current heat:

Hydration – The most important thing! Make sure they have a cool drink within easy reach and encourage them to sip it regularly.
Avoid going outside in the hottest times of the day – Usually from midday to 3pm, but if it’s still scorching mid-afternoon, err on the side of caution.
Always use sunscreen and a hat when outside – In a care home, each resident should have their own. No sharing!
Avoid sitting in direct sunlight – Use natural shade or an umbrella to keep your loved one out of direct rays. They will still get all the benefits of being outside from the indirect sunlight received in the shade (all that lovely Vitamin D processing!).
Choose lightweight clothing – Ideally loose fitting and made from natural fibres.
Keep cool inside – Use curtains and blinds to prevent rooms from overheating.
Open windows – Use your common sense about this. You don’t want to do anything that will make your loved one vulnerable, so you may need to consider whether it is safe to open ground floor windows, and by how much. If necessary, install locks that prevent an open window from being pushed any further open so they can enjoy the benefits of a cool breeze without their safety being compromised.
Turn off unnecessary electrical items and lights – They will all contribute to the indoor temperature rising.
Consider the effects of medication – Some medicines can impact on a person’s ability to cope with high temperatures, especially those which affect blood pressure and respiration.
Provide extra help – The body has to work harder to keep cool during extremely hot weather, which can cause even the most robust to be more prone to dizziness or falls. Try and pop in more regularly, especially to help with physical tasks, or consider outside help, even if only as a shot-term measure.

Looking for a care home for you, or a loved one, to Live Your Life?

Call 01892 556 500 to arrange a visit to Rusthall Lodge Care Home

Serving Rusthall, Langton Green, Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding areas in Kent and Sussex

Residential care, Nursing care, Respite care

Written on 26th June 2018

Back to the blog