How To Keep Cool in The Summer!

As we enter the gorgeous summer months, with longer days, brighter sunshine and a rise in temperature, it's especially important to take extra care of the elderly in our community. Older adults are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses due to changes in how their bodies regulate temperature; for your loved ones receiving care in the comfort of their home, staying cool is a key part of everyday wellbeing.

Here at Right at Home, we have put together some friendly tips to help your loved one stay safe, comfortable and well-hydrated during the warmer months.

1. Hydration: Little Sips, Often

Dehydration is one of the biggest risks during the summer and hotter periods, particularly for the elderly as they may not always feel thirsty -our advice would be to encourage regular sips of water throughout the day.

Here are some ways to help:

• Keep a fresh jug of water easily accessible near them.
• Gently remind them to drink water periodically.
• Offer liquids you know they enjoy, such as squash or tea, to make hydration more appealing.

2. Keep the Home Cool

Even without air conditioning, there are simple ways to help the home stay cooler:

• Keep curtains or blinds closed during the hottest part of the day.
• Use fans to circulate air and place a bowl of ice in front of a fan for additional coolness.
• Open windows early in the morning and late in the evening to let fresh air in, and aid ventilation. 

3. Adjusting Activities for Hot Weather

To minimise risk during hot weather, try to organise tasks and activities for cooler times of the day, such as earlier in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler.

4. Clothing Choices 

Encourage wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothes in light colours, as well as more breathable fabrics... cotton and linen are ideal. By helping to choose more weather appropriate clothes, this is a really simple yet effective way to regulate temperature; minimising risk of overheating. 

5. Cool the Body Safely

If your loved one or client is feeling too warm, try:

• A cool damp flannel on the back of the neck or wrists.
• A lukewarm shower or bath.
• Sitting with feet in a basin of cool water.

6. Know the Warning Signs

Be alert to the early signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke:

• Excessive sweating or no sweating at all.
• Confusion, dizziness or nausea.
• Increase or decrease in heart rate.

Summer is a wonderful time of year, but it's crucial to keep yourself and your loved ones cool and comfortable; after all, a comfortable home is one of the best defenses against the summer heat.

We at Right at Home hope you found these pointers helpful and if you'd like more advice, please don't hesitate to give our friendly team a call!