Safeguarding Those Living with Dementia from Summer Heat: A Guide to Empathy, Understanding, and Care

Summer heat can pose a significant risk to everyone, especially those living with dementia. It’s crucial to understand the dangers the heat presents, how it affects people with dementia, and the steps we can take to ensure their safety and comfort. In this blog post, we’ll focus on advice from the Alzheimer’s Society and other relevant sources to provide a comprehensive guide on how to keep your loved ones safe this summer.

People with dementia may struggle to recognise or communicate discomfort or dangers related to excessive heat. This can lead to serious consequences, including dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke. Additionally, certain medications commonly prescribed for dementia symptoms might affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature or stay hydrated, increasing the risk further.

Hydration is essential to life. We require water to perform various bodily functions, including digestion, excretion, temperature regulation, and many more. Given our reliance on water, it’s no surprise that dehydration – or the state of not having enough water in your body – can lead to serious health problems.

When your body loses more fluid than it’s taking in, it can’t carry out normal functions correctly. This imbalance is what we refer to as dehydration. It can occur due to a variety of reasons such as excessive sweating, diarrhoea, vomiting, diabetes, or even not drinking enough water over an extended period.

Understanding The Risks

People with dementia may struggle to recognise or communicate discomfort or dangers related to excessive heat. This can lead to serious consequences, including dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke. Additionally, certain medications commonly prescribed for dementia symptoms might affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature or stay hydrated, increasing the risk further.

Prevention Is Key

The key to handling summer heat is prevention and planning. Here are some simple strategies to help prevent the heat-related complications:

Stay Hydrated: Ensure your loved ones are drinking enough water throughout the day. Keep in mind that people with dementia may not remember or understand the need to drink. Make water easily accessible and consider using prompts or reminders to encourage regular hydration. Flavoured waters, fruits with high water content, or ice pops can also be a great way to entice them to increase fluid intake.

Keeping Cool: Make use of fans, air conditioners, or simply open windows to increase ventilation. During the hottest parts of the day, close curtains or blinds to keep the house cool. Using cooling pads or cloths can provide instant relief if someone becomes overheated.

Wear Appropriate Clothing: Dress your loved ones in loose, light-coloured clothing that allows their skin to breathe. Natural fibres like cotton are more comfortable and keep the skin cool better than synthetic materials.

Use Sunscreen: If going outdoors, protect the skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen, applying it generously and reapplying every two hours. Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat to shield their face and neck.

Watching Out for Signs of Trouble

Early detection of heat-related illness can be lifesaving. Some signs to watch out for include confusion, dizziness, dry mouth, flushed skin, headaches, heavy sweating, rapid heartbeat, and nausea. If you notice any of these symptoms, move your loved one to a cooler environment immediately, apply cool compresses, and seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

Spreading Empathy and Support

As we enjoy the bright and beautiful summer days, let’s remember to show empathy and extend our support to our loved ones and those around us living with dementia. By understanding the challenges they face, and proactively taking steps to keep them safe and comfortable, we can ensure they too enjoy the season.

Heat-related illnesses are preventable, and with our collective efforts, we can ensure our loved ones are safe, healthy, and comfortable during the hot summer months. By following these best practices, you can make a significant difference in the lives of those living with dementia. Remember, we’re in this together – let’s make this summer a safe one!

For more information and resources, visit the NHS and Alzheimer’s Society websites.

Let’s ensure the ones we care about are not just safe, but also enjoying their summer to the fullest.

Read more about Heat exhaustion and heatstroke:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heat-exhaustion-heatstroke/

Top tips on how to support someone living with dementia during the hot weather:

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/how-support-somebody-living-dementia-hot-weather