HEAT WARNING - HOW YOU CAN HELP THE ELDERLY DURING EXCESSIVE HEAT

HEAT WARNING - HOW TO HELP THE ELDERLY

Excessive Hot Weather has been a focus of our weather this summer in the UK.

By just following a few simple tips and precautions, we can help ourselves and those more vulnerable during bouts of Hot Weather and preventing unnecessary dehydration and heat stroke. Read the useful tips below for general guidance.

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Keeping Cool

Temperatures are increasing year on year and those individuals within our community, especially the Elderly, Infirm and those with disabiliies may need additional help and checks during hot weather.

We can help ourselves and those who are more vulnerable to the heat, by following simple guidance and useful tips on keeping cool and rehydrated.

Although it is extremely tempting to want to go outside and relax in the sunshine, you should always consider a few key aspects.

During the hot weather and especially heatwaves, far too many people end up in A&E with sunburn, sun-stroke, dehydration and exhaustion

Let's help ourselves and those around us in hot weather.

Together we can all contribute care in our local community

Keep yourself hydrated

Under normal conditions it is suggested that a healthy individual drinks at least 2 litres of water per day. This shouldn't be Tea or Coffee or Sugary Carbonated drinks, as these will typically dehydrate you more.

If you simply dislike plain water, a non sugary or artificially sweetened cordial or squash can be added to your water. Of course if you can chill the drink or add ice - all the better!

Be aware of the quantities of fluid being drank during hot weather. You're usually never drinking quite enough!

Those vulnerable in hot weather, especially the Elderly, those with Diabetes and other conditions and those infirm or have a disability may need regulated fluid intake and prompting.

Your Environment

Wherever you read about hot weather, the first thing mentioned is always - A cool Environment and then 'Air Conditioning'. Not many of us in the UK have the pleasure of Air Conditioning in our homes, so we have to think outside the box!

Of course an electric fan is a great help, to not only cool the air but circulate the air around the home.

Close your curtains and blinds. Block out any direct sunlight using tin-foil (Aluminium foil) against the windows as a temporary measure.

Open windows, but please be aware of the safety factors. If you do have air conditioning, try not to sit in its direct flow. It's very easy for someone to catch a chill by sitting in air conditioning for a prelonged period.

Health is Key

If you or any one you are caring for feels ill during hot weather, dehydrated, headaches, dizziness. Immediately seek medical help and advice or

call 999 in an emergency.

Protection

It goes without saying and seems pretty obvious that we should protect ourselves with a hat in hot sunshine and use SPF sun protection creams on our skin.

However, no matter how obvious this may seem, many do not.

Let's look after ourselves and those vulnerable around us in hot weather conditions.