Helping Elderly People in North Yorkshire Stay Cool in Heat Wave

Published 24 July 2013.

The Stray in Harrogate, North Yorkshire

It is great news that the sunshine has arrived during summer 2013, however it is important to remember that high temperatures can be dangerous for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and they should be protected from the possible health effects of hot weather where possible.

Our team at Carefound Home Care supports elderly people, including families experiencing specialist conditions such as dementia, in Harrogate, Ripon and Wetherby. In light of the current hot weather we would advise families, friends and neighbours to keep an eye out for elderly people in their community – this could be by popping in to check they are ok, telephoning them or alerting somebody if you have concerns. We would also stress the following top tips to help elderly people keep cool:

• Keep out of the sun during the hottest part of the day (typically 11am to 3pm)
• If you do have to go out into the sun try to walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat
• Avoid physical exertion and do jobs like housework and gardening during cooler periods of the day
• Wear light, loose fitting cotton clothes
• Drink plenty of cold drinks and continue to eat normally (this helps replace salt lost through sweating)
• If you use medications ensure that they are stored below 25^oC or keep them in the refrigerator

Remember, heat stroke can develop if heat exhaustion is left untreated. You should look out for signs such as headaches, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, pale skin, heavy sweating, a raised temperature, muscle cramps, confusion weakness or sleep problems. If you have any concerns or symptoms persist for several hours you can call your GP or NHS 111 for advice. If you fear that an elderly person is suffering from heat stroke you should call 999 immediately and wait for an ambulance.

About Carefound Home Care:

Carefound Home Care is a provider of specialist home care and dementia care services to elderly people in North Yorkshire, enabling clients to continue to live independently in the comfort of their own home whilst maintaining the highest quality of life achievable. Services provided include basic help in the home, companionship, personal care, medication help, post-operative rehabilitation, respite careand specialist help such as dementia care and palliative care. The flexible service ranges from 1 hour to 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, including bank holidays, and can also encompass 24-hour live in careservices.

Source: Carefound Home Care, The Met Office, Public Health England, Age UK.