Tips for Caring for our Elderly During Heat Waves

It has certainly been a hot over the past few days. Here are some simple steps we can all take.

Importantly, we all need to consider how best to support those more vulnerable in our community.

NSW Health has many handy tips to keep us all more comfortable during the heat, visit NSW Health Beat the Heat

NSW Health advises

• People over the age of seventy-five are among those most at risk of heat-related illness during heatwaves. If you’re a carer for an elderly person, here are a few things you can do to prepare them for the heat:

Check the following:

1. the person has light, loose-fitting cotton clothing to wear.
2. they know who to call if they need help.
3. they have the contact details for their GP, care workers, carers and others who may be able to assist including family, friends, and neighbours.
4. they have a personal care plan for hot weather that may affect the use of medications or fluid intake.

Take some simple steps to prepare an elderly person’s home for the heat by:

1. Checking the fridge, freezer, fan and air-conditioner work properly and that the air-conditioner is set to cool.
2. Stocking up with food before hot weather arrives to reduce the need to go out.
3. Having cool packs available to put in the fridge to help cool down.
4. Having a small emergency kit in case of a power failure…. torch, batteries, a battery-operated radio and a first aid kit.
5. Check the home or room can be aired properly and safely (for example without the need to leave the front door wide open in an unsafe area).
6. If possible, add curtains with pale linings in rooms that get a lot of sunlight to help reflect the heat. Avoid dark reflective curtain linings and metal Venetian blinds as they take up heat and can make rooms hotter.