Caring for someone with dementia in a heatwave isn't easy. Warm weather can cause discomfort, dehydration and distress, and people with dementia may find it difficult to take the steps the rest of us take to cope. Here is some advice to make things a little safer and more comfortable.
Dress appropriately
Someone with dementia might reach for their usual clothes and forget to dress for the weather. Leave out — or encourage them to wear — light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes made from natural fibres, along with a hat for going outside.
Keep the house cool
Check the central heating isn't on. Use a fan, and keep curtains or blinds closed during the day on the sunny side of the house. In the evening, open the windows to let warm air out and cooler air in.
Avoid the midday sun
Stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, and seek shade when outside. Keep sunscreen to hand and make sure it's reapplied regularly.
Cool off
Encourage a cool bath or shower, and a cloth soaked in cool water dabbed on or placed on the forehead can bring real relief.
Arrange extra visits
Organising extra care visits during hot weather is a great idea — a carer can check the person has a drink and that all is well.
Above all, avoid dehydration
This is key. Memory problems mean someone with dementia can easily forget to drink, and our sense of thirst fades as we age. To help:
- Leave water within easy reach, in a glass or bottle that's easy to see and use — a straw can help
- Make drinking enjoyable and social; stay and chat
- Provide gentle reminders to have a drink
- Offer food with a high water content
You may also find our article on good hydration helpful.
