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Keeping Elderly People Well in A Heatwave.
Keeping elderly people well in a heatwave can potentially save lives. Between 1988 and 2022 more than 52,000 deaths were associated with increased heat levels. In 2022 the highest temperature ever recorded hit 40.3 degrees which prompted a level 4 Heat Health Alert.
What Temperature is Dangerous?
Anything above 80 degrees can be dangerous to anyone elderly with many struggling with lower temperatures. With global warming, we are experiencing more Summers with prolonged periods of increasingly high temperatures. Home thermometers can help you to understand how hot your home is. Keeping elderly people well in a heatwave can prevent heat-related illness and deaths.
Most At Risk
Elderly people living alone are at increased risk. Also, those living with serious long-term medical conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease, Cardiovascular disease, Dementia, Diabetes, lung and kidney disorders.
To Avoid Becoming Unwell
Keeping elderly people well in a heatwave can reduce the risk of serious implications.
NHS guidelines to prevent heat exhaustion and heatstroke are to:
- Find a cool place. Pulling your curtains can help,
- Loosen clothing, wear lightweight clothes preferably made from cotton,
- Take plenty of cool drinks, it’s best to sip these regularly rather than drink them in one go,
- If possible take cool showers or use a flannel to cool yourself down.
More Tips
- It’s a good idea to eat plenty of fruit and veg with a high water content such as melon, grapes, cucumber,
- Use an electric fan if the temperature is below 80 degrees, if it is higher they are not always so effective,
- Hold your wrist under a running cold tap. This helps cool the part of your brain that regulates temperature,
- Reduce your activity levels, and don’t over-exert yourself in extreme heat
- Wear a hat if you do venture out and make sure you have applied plenty of sunscreen
- Check on other elderly friends and neighbours.
Heat-Related Illness
Having a heat-related illness may be reduced by following the tips above. However, it’s good to know what symptoms to look for if you care for someone elderly.
Dehydration
Elderly people are not good at staying well hydrated. Drinking water was never a thing back in the day. Most of us are already dehydrated to some degree if we feel thirsty. Older people especially people with dementia find it harder to know if they need a drink.
An elderly person may be dehydrated if they are weaker than usual, have problems sleeping or are mildly confused. They may also experience cramps in their legs, arms or stomach. They may complain of a headache or feel nauseous, they may also feel dizzy.
Heat Exhaustion
Someone suffering from heat exhaustion may complain of dizziness and headache. Their pulse may be fast and they may be sweating heavily. They may also feel nauseous or vomit. To help them if possible move them to somewhere cool and loosen their clothing. Provide them with a cool drink or cool them down with damp flannels or a shower if available. If they don’t feel better after 30 minutes seek medical help via the 111 service.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke can be serious and lead to seizures and unconsciousness. If you suspect someone has heatstroke call 999. The symptoms are the same as heat exhaustion so if you are at all unsure, call for help.
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