Caring for older people in hot weather
- 20 Feb 2024
![](https://d2uyohgbau728j.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/27164856/Bloke_486x328.png)
As the mercury rises and summer heat waves become more frequent, it’s crucial to pay special attention the well-being of our older population. Frail elderly people are particularly vulnerable to extreme temperatures and proper care can make a significant difference in their health and safety.
Read on for some tips on how to keep cool in hot weather.
Stay hydrated
One of the most critical aspects of caring for older people during hot weather is ensuring proper hydration. Dehydration can lead to serious health complications, so encourage seniors to drink plenty of water. Remind them to keep sipping water throughout the day, even if they don’t feel thirsty. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages which can worsen dehydration. Consider offering water-based fruits as snacks, for example, watermelon, cucumber and strawberries.
Stay cool
Maintain a cool living environment. Consider air conditioning (and make sure the unit is functioning correctly). Fans can also help circulate air and provide relief.
Use a cool, wet cloth to wipe arms and necks. Soaking feet in a bowl of cool water can also help regulate body temperature. Consider a trip to an air-conditioned venue, such as shopping centres, libraries and movie theatres, or contact your local council for information about Seniors Centres in your area.
Dress appropriately
Choose lightweight, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics. Light colours help reflect sunlight and keep the body cooler. Encourage seniors to wear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses when outdoors.
Regular check-ins
Older people living alone are at higher risk, especially if they lack frequent contact with others. Regular check-ins by family, friends or care givers are essential. Ensure they have access to a phone or emergency alert system.
Recognise signs of heat-related illness
The signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke include:
- Excessive sweating
- Weakness and fatigue
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Nausea
Call triple zero (if living in Australia) in case of a medical emergency requiring ambulance support.
For non-life-threatening situations, Victorian residents can contact Nurse-On-Call for free professional health advice over the phone. Call 1300 60 60 24 to speak with a registered nurse about health-related questions and concerns. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Limit outdoor activities during peak heat
Encourage seniors to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day (usually between 10am and 4pm). If they do need to go outside, encourage them to seek shade and take regular breaks from physical activity.
Protect with sunscreen
Sunscreen isn’t just for days at the beach. Older adults should apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 before going outside. Sunburn can exacerbate heat-related stress.
Medication awareness
Certain medications can affect how the body responds to heat. Some diuretics, sedatives, tranquilisers and heart and high blood pressure medicines can make it hard for the body to cool itself on hot days. People on these medications may require more frequent check-ins to ensure they are staying cool in the heat.
Remind seniors to take their medication as prescribed and store them appropriately, away from the heat to avoid degradation.
Remember, extreme heat can lead to hospitalisation and even death for older individuals. By following these guidelines, we can help keep our seniors safe and comfortable during hot weather.
Community news
-
Personal Alert Victoria | Enhancing safety and independence
Personal Alert Victoria (PAV) offers eligible Victorians a free personal monitoring and emergency response service. This important service is funded by the Victorian Government and helps people continue to live independently at home, safe in the knowledge that help is only a button press away.If you or someone you know is frail, elderly and isolated or who is living with a disability, you may like to consider applying for the PAV program.What does the PAV service involve?The PAV service responds to calls for assistance 24 hours per day.Clients wear a pendant around their neck or wrist which is designed with a button that, when pressed, dials the PAV hotline connecting the caller with trained staff ready to provide assistance. For example, if you fall or suddenly feel unwell, you can press the button and be connected with someone who can speak with you through the pendant.PAV hotline staff will talk with you to determine whether a call should be placed with emergency services, one of your nominated contacts (usually family members, friends or neighbours) or whether you simply require some reassurance about your situation (in the event of a non-urgent issue).How does my pendant connect me to the PAV hotline?A receiver unit sits next to your telephone and is plugged into your telephone line. When it receives an alert from your pendant (after you have pressed the button), the receiver unit automatically dials the PAV hotline.Who is eligible for the PAV service?Eligibility is determined via an assessment conducted in your own home.There are two sets of eligibility criteria to meet – Part A and Part B:Part A:You must meet all three conditions set out below –Daily monitoring – you consent to daily monitoring.Wearable pendant - you are capable of using and willing to wear the PAV pendant at all times.Living situation – you live alone OR are alone for most of the day or evening OR live with a person who would be unable to get to the phone in an emergency (or is unable to use the phone).Part B:You must meet two of these criteria –You have had at least one fall that needed medical attention in the previous six months or be at risk of falls.You suffer from a major medical or chronic condition that puts you at risk of medical emergencies or has some ongoing effect on your health or wellbeing.You are taking six or more different medications on a permanent basis that are prescribed by your doctor / medical specialist.Who conducts my eligibility assessment for PAV?Eligibility assessments for the PAV service are usually conducted by your local council, community health service, aged care assessment service, district nursing service and some publicly funded community rehabilitation services.You can either contact your local service provider directly (for example, by enquiring with your local council’s aged care program) or be referred to an assessment service by your doctor or local community health service.It’s worth noting that there may be a waiting period involved until a PAV unit becomes available for installation at your home.For more detailed information on the PAV program, please refer to the PAV program and service guidelines provided by the Victorian Department of Health.
- 29 Jul 2024
-
Faces of Baptcare | Meet Durham Smith
Personal Alert Victoria (PAV) offers eligible Victorians a free personal monitoring and emergency response service. This important service is funded by the Victorian Government and helps people continue to live independently at home, safe in the knowledge that help is only a button press away.If you or someone you know is frail, elderly and isolated or who is living with a disability, you may like to consider applying for the PAV program.What does the PAV service involve?The PAV service responds to calls for assistance 24 hours per day.Clients wear a pendant around their neck or wrist which is designed with a button that, when pressed, dials the PAV hotline connecting the caller with trained staff ready to provide assistance. For example, if you fall or suddenly feel unwell, you can press the button and be connected with someone who can speak with you through the pendant.PAV hotline staff will talk with you to determine whether a call should be placed with emergency services, one of your nominated contacts (usually family members, friends or neighbours) or whether you simply require some reassurance about your situation (in the event of a non-urgent issue).How does my pendant connect me to the PAV hotline?A receiver unit sits next to your telephone and is plugged into your telephone line. When it receives an alert from your pendant (after you have pressed the button), the receiver unit automatically dials the PAV hotline.Who is eligible for the PAV service?Eligibility is determined via an assessment conducted in your own home.There are two sets of eligibility criteria to meet – Part A and Part B:Part A:You must meet all three conditions set out below –Daily monitoring – you consent to daily monitoring.Wearable pendant - you are capable of using and willing to wear the PAV pendant at all times.Living situation – you live alone OR are alone for most of the day or evening OR live with a person who would be unable to get to the phone in an emergency (or is unable to use the phone).Part B:You must meet two of these criteria –You have had at least one fall that needed medical attention in the previous six months or be at risk of falls.You suffer from a major medical or chronic condition that puts you at risk of medical emergencies or has some ongoing effect on your health or wellbeing.You are taking six or more different medications on a permanent basis that are prescribed by your doctor / medical specialist.Who conducts my eligibility assessment for PAV?Eligibility assessments for the PAV service are usually conducted by your local council, community health service, aged care assessment service, district nursing service and some publicly funded community rehabilitation services.You can either contact your local service provider directly (for example, by enquiring with your local council’s aged care program) or be referred to an assessment service by your doctor or local community health service.It’s worth noting that there may be a waiting period involved until a PAV unit becomes available for installation at your home.For more detailed information on the PAV program, please refer to the PAV program and service guidelines provided by the Victorian Department of Health.
- 27 Jul 2024
-
Enjoying the comforts of home: Lynette and George
Lynette is 75 and her husband, George, is 70. With a little help from home care, they're able to live healthily and happily together at home.
- 21 Jun 2024