Help beat the heat for those living with dementia

Those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer are here, and while many Australians hit the beach or head to the pool, hot weather can be much more of a challenge for people living with dementia.

Whether you're out and about in the summer weather, hiding from the heat at home, or caring for someone in their house or a residential care home, there are many ways hot weather can affect us and the people we look after.

We've pulled together some tips to help everybody keep their cool and stay safe, even as the mercury rises.

At home

1. Hydrate

Dementia can affect the part of the brain that recognises you're dehydrated and sends a message telling your body that you're thirsty. Some medications and dementia-related illnesses can also make dehydration worse. Memory problems can mean someone living with dementia can also simply forget if they've had a drink.

Signs of dehydration can include increased confusion (compared to typical dementia symptoms), dark and strong-smelling urine, dry mouth, lips and eyes, headaches or dizziness, feeling tired and not peeing very often (fewer than four times a day).

Some ideas to keep hydrated in the heat are:

• Leave jugs or bottles of water within easy reach.
• Make drinking as easy as possible by providing an easy-to-handle cup with a lid or a straw, or a brightly coloured water bottle left within line of sight.
• Share a cup of tea or a cold drink while you're with the person.
• Use prompts and reminders, whether by leaving notes out for them or setting up a phone reminder.
• Provide high water content foods, like ice blocks, jelly, ice cream, soup and fruit such as watermelon.

2. Check clothing

Someone living with dementia may not adjust their clothing to suit the weather forecast. Make sure they have light, loose-fitting clothing, and a hat when outside.

3. Cool the house

Take all usual measures to keep the house cool and shaded, where possible. You may need to close doors, windows and curtains, and use air conditioning or fans. Make sure you open the house up in the evening to catch the cooler night air.

4. Choose your time

Stay out of the sun in the hottest part of the day (11am-3pm) and seek shade when you are outside. Make sure sunscreen is reapplied.

5. Cool them down

A cool bath or shower can help bring body temperature down when all else fails. Frozen bottles of water or ice packs may also be useful.

In residential care

A number of strategies are available to help with extreme heat in residential aged care homes to ensure the comfort and safety of residents.

These include:

• Blinds closed all day
• Air conditioning checked regularly to ensure it is working correctly
• All services familiar with Critical Operations Standing Operating Procedures (COSOPS) in case of emergency
• Ice blocks purchased for residents and staff
• Iced water available all day
• Hourly drinks supplied to all residents
• Ensure residents stay out of the sun
• An additional night staff member per facility when temperatures are expected to be high late into the night
• Fluids and observation carried into the night

Stay safe

Heat waves can be deadly, particularly for vulnerable members of society. Keep an eye on the weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

And don't forget to look after yourself as well! Hydration and a comfortable environment is essential for carers too – make sure you stay cool so you can continue to care for others.