While the UK weather is continuing to be as up and down as a yoyo, we are expected to see some more sunshine in the coming days and weeks – and while many people will be overjoyed at the sun finally making an appearance, not everybody will be feeling the same.
With any heatwave or hot weather, the elderly, the young and the vulnerable are most at risk of sunstroke and dehydration, so it’s important to be prepared.
Whilst the sun can help people living with various issues and health conditions, it can also be a hinderance for those living with the likes of dementia.
The most common risk to people living with dementia during the summer months is dehydration – which can cause a plethora of further complications, as well as make the symptoms of dementia even worse.
Leading community care provider, Radis Community Care has shared some top tips on staying safe in the heat, and the warning signs to look out for.
Living with dementia in the heat
In general, as people get older, we lose the ability to control and regulate our body temperatures, and it becomes more difficult to adjust to sudden changes in temperature.
We know that dementia can affect people in various ways, from memory loss to confusion and communication. Because of this, it can be difficult for somebody living with dementia to vocalise how they’re feeling and that they are struggling with the heat and warm weather.
For those living with dementia, becoming dehydrated is much easier, so it’s important to keep your loved ones out of the sun and to remind them of the importance or staying hydrated.
How to spot dehydration and sunstroke:
Here are the most common signs of dehydration that you should look out for:
- Headache
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Feeling lethargic
- Sickness
- Seizures
- Passing urine less frequently than normal
- A weak or rapid pulse
- Excessive sweating or shiveringTips for staying cool
There are a number of ways in which you can prevent somebody living with dementia from becoming dehydrated.
The key is prevention – we want to act before people show signs of dehydration, and here are our top tips to do just that.
- Hydration
If you think your friend or loved one is becoming dehydrated, then encourage them to drink plenty of water, squash or fruit juice – and avoid hot drinks such as tea or coffee. Leave a cold, refreshing drink (preferably water) nearby at all times, that is within easy reach for them.
But, if symptoms aren’t easing, speak to their care worker or health professional to seek further advice.
- Clothing and keeping cool
It is also important to make sure that your friend or loved one is dressed appropriately, allowing them to stay cool, whilst also ensuring they have a fan if needed to reduce the risk of overheating.
We also recommend, if somebody wants to be outside and enjoy the weather, to sit in a shaded area, away from direct sunlight.
- Technology
If your friend or loved one has a phone, make sure they keep it nearby so that you can regularly check in with them. This also ensures that they are able to contact you or call for help if need be.
The heat can cause further confusion for those living with dementia, so a smart device may be a good idea to set reminders to drink water, for mealtimes or to take medication.
- Enlist professional support
Dementia is a complex condition, and people (such as family carers) may require additional support when caring for friends, family members or loved ones.
Whether short-term or long-term, care workers can provide various methods of support to suit individual needs and in a capacity that suits current lifestyles.
The warm weather is set to make a long-awaited return, so it is important to be equipped and to go into any future heatwaves armed with the right knowledge and information.
For more information, please visit www.radis.co.uk.
