As temperatures continue to rise this summer, Edensor Care Centre in Clacton is encouraging families and carers to take extra precautions to help older people, particularly those living with dementia, stay safe in hot weather.
While many people enjoy the sunshine, high temperatures can pose significant health risks for older adults. Ageing makes it more difficult for the body to regulate its temperature, while people living with dementia may not recognise that they are becoming overheated or dehydrated, or may forget to drink enough fluids.
The specialist dementia care team at Edensor is sharing simple but effective advice to help families protect vulnerable loved ones during periods of warm weather.
Sabina Mach, Manager, Edensor Care Centre (pictured), said:
“Summer can be a wonderful time of year, but hot weather presents additional challenges for older people, especially those living with dementia. They may not recognise that they are thirsty, may struggle to communicate how they are feeling or may not remember to seek shade or remove extra layers of clothing.
“A few simple measures can make a significant difference. Encouraging regular drinks, keeping living spaces cool and checking in on older relatives more frequently can help prevent dehydration and heat-related illness. Families shouldn’t wait until someone says they’re thirsty – by then they may already be dehydrated.”
The care team recommends that families:
- Encourage regular drinks throughout the day, even if someone says they are not thirsty.
- Use a reusable metal water bottle to keep liquids cooler for longer
- Offer foods with a high water content, such as melon, strawberries, cucumber and yoghurt.
- Keep curtains or blinds closed during the hottest part of the day and open windows when temperatures cool in the evening.
- Dress older people in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
- Avoid spending time outdoors during the hottest hours of the day, typically between 11am and 3pm.
- Look out for signs of dehydration or heat exhaustion, including confusion, dizziness, headaches, tiredness or unusually dark urine.
- Check on elderly relatives or neighbours more frequently during periods of hot weather.
At Edensor, staff closely monitor residents’ hydration throughout the day, provide regular refreshments and adapt activities to ensure residents remain comfortable while still enjoying the summer months.
Sabina Mach added:
“Hydration is about much more than simply offering a glass of water. We make drinking enjoyable by offering a variety of cold drinks, fresh fruit, ice lollies and nutritious snacks, while our team gently encourages residents throughout the day. It’s these small, thoughtful interventions that help keep people healthy and comfortable.”
With warmer weather expected to continue, Edensor hopes its advice will help families feel more confident in supporting older loved ones throughout the summer.
For more information about Edensor Care Centre, visit: www.diagramafoundation.org.uk/senior-dementia-care/edensorcarehomeclacton
If you’d like to support the residents at Edensor, you can help by purchasing an item from their Amazon Wishlist: https://linktr.ee/diagramaamazonwishlist Every contribution, big or small, helps enhance the daily lives of the people Diagrama supports.
