Carer tips for keeping the person we care for (and ourselves!) cool and safe in extreme weather
- Laura Martin
- 13 hours ago
- 4 min read
The UK Health Security Agency (UKSA) has issued a red heat-health alert for six regions of England. The West Midlands, East Midlands, South East, South West, London, and East of England will be under a red heat-health alert from 1am on Wednesday 24 June until 11pm on Thursday 25 June. In addition, an amber alert has been issued for the North West, North East, and Yorkshire and the Humber for the same period.
A red heat-health alert indicates that a severe heatwave could have impacts beyond health and social care with potential effects on transport systems, food, water, energy supplies and businesses. It indicates a risk to life, even for the healthy population. You can read the UKSA’s advice for staying safe in hot weather by clicking here.
Keeping both ourselves, and the person we care for, comfortable and safe is a top priority. Extreme heat can exacerbate existing conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or dementia.
"It does take a shift in mindset to keep ourselves and the person we care for cool. I don't know why I'm surprised that we're really hot and bothered, when it is summer, but somehow it always seems to come as a shock!"
We’ve gathered some of the most creative, tried-and-tested tips shared by fellow carers in our community.
1. Cooling the home environment
Managing our indoor environment is our first line of defence against a heatwave:
Block the sun: Keep blinds and curtains closed during the day, particularly in rooms facing the sun. Once the temperature drops in the evening, open windows slightly to let a breeze through. Heat reflective window film is inexpensive and pretty effective at keeping the worst of the heat out during the day.
"Blinds closed, cooling fan on best we can do seems to be working."
Fans: Fans are a staple, but you can upgrade them for free! One carer noted:
"They say to put a bowl of cold water in front of a fan [to circulate cooler air]"
Strategic retreats: Don't hesitate to move to the coolest room.
"I do cheat, I have a portable air conditioning unit... only have [it] in the lounge so can go in there to cool down."
2. Personal cooling techniques
When the air is hot, we have to find ways to cool the body directly:
A plant mister like these from Amazon:
"The most effective cooler I've come across is a mister spray bottle meant for plants, spraying clothes to make them cool to wear, and if too hot at night spraying the sheets"
The "sea breeze" shower:
"If it's really stiflingly hot then I take a tepid shower and instead of towelling myself dry I stand in front of the fan and let the breeze from it dry me. It’s like getting out of the sea and feeling a cool breeze. I've done it in 40 degree heat abroad and it's really cooled me down."
Ice towels: Keep damp flannels or cooling towels in the fridge or freezer. One carer says:
"Ice towels are great, as long as they are damp."
Cooling gadgets and pet mats: Rechargeable neck fans and bedside USB fans are great.
"I just bought a fan that has a cooling plate that you put against your skin. Amazing."
Another of us revealed a brilliant hack:
"The best thing I ever bought was a gel sheet that you put under your dog's bed to stop it overheating but it's great for humans too".
3. Rethinking bedtime
Sleeping in the heat can be miserable, but community members have found workarounds:
Proper nightwear: Counterintuitively, covering up might be better than stripping down. One carer advised:
"Always wear pjs to bed. I wear full length bottoms and a vest top. If you are tempted to wear shorts or just your birthday suit you will only get hotter!! I swear, it works. Helps to regulate your temperature."
Cooling pillows: Look into specialised cooling pillows. One carer calls her silent night cooling pillow a "game changer for sleeping."
4. Hydration and diet
Staying hydrated isn't just about drinking plain water:
Electrolyte boosts: To replace lost sodium and electrolytes.
Refreshing drinks: Add mint leaves and a dash of lime to cold water for a mocktail-style refresher, or enjoy crushed ice in drinks.
Lighter meals and hydrating snacks: Opt for foods with high water content like jelly, watermelon, and ice lollies. Swap out hot meals for cool salads.
"Salad tonight methinks."
5. Adjusting our routine
Take a cue from those who live in warmer climates and introduce a daily rest period.
"Add a siesta to your schedule - this is a common practice in countries where it is hot all year round.."
6. Healthcare
Check medications and review them in a heatwave: One carer pointed out:
"Some medications affect dehydration ...increase fluid intake if possible".
Monitor perceptions of heat: Be aware that some conditions, such as dementia, can affect how a person perceives temperature.
"Despite how hot it was this morning, mum was watching tv wearing a winter jacket and saying she was cold! I did ask some paramedics I had to call out once and apparently that's common for older people."
Spotting dehydration: According to the UK Health Security Agency watch out for darker urine than usual, dry mouth or skin, drowsiness, confusion, irritability, or fatigue. If these signs appear and don't improve with fluids, seek medical advice promptly.
As Awais often reminds the community:
"Kindness begins with the understanding that we all struggle."
Charles Glassman
Stay safe, stay cool, and remember to look after yourself as well as the person you care for! If you have any creative tips on how you’re keeping the person you care cool and hydrated, we would love to hear about them over in the Mobilise Hub.
