[BLOG] Keeping the elderly well in a heatwave

Guest blog from Caron CaresKeeping the elderly well in a heatwave

Keeping the elderly well in a heatwave

A guest blog from Caron Cares

Many of us long for a hot Summer but a heatwave poses potential danger for the elderly. Here are a few ideas to keeping the elderly well in a heat wave.

• Close the curtains or pull down blinds to prevent direct sunlight entering rooms
• Avoid going out unless early morning and late evening and 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 – suncream 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 and melon.

Heat Exhaustion