The sun has finally come out to play and while it may be about time, it's important that you know the best way to care for your elderly loved ones in the ongoing heatwave. Here are some tips to help them stay safe.
Keep cool
Overheating is a massive problem but there are a few ways you can combat this:
Keeping out of direct sunlight: make sure they stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, which is typically between 11am and 3pm.
Turning down the heat indoors: to keep their room cool during the day, closing blinds and curtains and turning off non-essential electrical appliances is vital. It's also wise to open the windows, as long as it's safe to do so.
Wearing the right clothing: when you go outside, make sure your loved one is wearing thin clothing and preferably a hat to keep out of the sun's rays.
Keep hydrated
Dehydration is the other big problem, but fortunately there are several ways you can keep your elderly relative hydrated:
Providing drink: make sure they have access to a cool drink at all times and that it's within easy reach. If they don't like sipping water regularly, offer them squash.
Eating cold foods: especially those with high water content such as salad and fruit.
Keeping refreshed: provide them with a bowl of water to splash themselves with when they start to feel hot. A damp cloth on the back of the neck can also keep their temperature down.
Medication
There are a few drugs that can increase the risk of dehydration during increased temperatures.
