Ahead of another hot spell of weather, specialist dementia nurse charity Dementia UK shares tips on how to support a loved one with dementia to stay safe in the heat.
With temperatures reaching over 27c later this week, the charity shares advice to ensure people with dementia are being appropriately cared for in the heat, to reduce the risk of health complications.
People with dementia are particularly vulnerable during hot weather because they may not be able to explain that they are dehydrated or feeling unwell due to heat. It can also be harder for families to monitor for signs of heatstroke and dehydration which can lead to delays when seeking medical treatment.
One in two of us will be affected by dementia in our lifetime. Either by caring for someone with the condition, developing it ourselves, or both. Dementia UK’s dementia specialist Admiral Nurses work with families to provide life-changing advice and support, whenever it’s needed.
To help carers support their loved one with dementia during the hot weather, Dementia UK issues a list of tips and advice:
· Keeping hydrated – It’s important to ensure the person is drinking plenty to avoid dehydration. A person with dementia may forget to drink or not be aware that they are feeling thirsty. Some medication can also be affected by a person’s dehydration and this may lead to a drop in blood pressure increasing the risk of falls and fainting
· Staying cool with appropriate clothing – Sometimes a person with dementia may get confused with what clothing to wear during the heat. They may wear fleeces, thick coats or jackets instead of cool and loose fitting clothing. In situations like this, you can look at buying a similar style of clothing made out of a much thinner natural fabric.
· Keep the person out of the heat – If possible, keep the person out of the heat. If you are outside, seek shade and ensure they are wearing sunscreen, a hat and light clothes. It’s also important to avoid exercise or activity that increases body temperature
· Cool the person down – Avoiding hot drinks, alcohol and caffeine can be beneficial as intake of these can increase body temperature. The person may also wish to have a cool shower or have cool water patted on their skin or clothes.
· Keep the home environment cool – Using a fan where necessary and keeping the windows shut during the day and open and night, can help to keep the temperature down
If you know someone living with dementia who is living on their own, you can contact them and ask if there is anything they need to keep cool in the heat. They may be unable to visit the shops for items to cool down. You can also try and arrange for friends, neighbours or relatives to provide extra checks on them.
If you need advice or support on living with dementia, contact Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline on 0800 888 6678 or email helpline@dementiauk.org.
Alternatively, for more information on keeping a person with dementia safe in the hot weather, visit: https://www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/health-advice/keeping-a-person-with-dementia-safe-during-hot-weather/?misc=media
