30 July
UK heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, placing greater pressure on health and care services. While hot weather affects everyone, older adults are particularly vulnerable to dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
At Mariposa Care, we know how quickly hot weather can affect older adults. Planning ahead, adapting daily routines and closely monitoring residents ensure we continue to provide a safe and comfortable environment during periods of extreme heat.
Why are older adults more vulnerable during a heatwave?
According to UK health guidance, older people are among those most at risk during extreme heat. Ageing makes it harder for the body to regulate temperature, while conditions such as heart disease, respiratory illness and diabetes can increase heat sensitivity.
Some medications may also affect hydration or temperature regulation, and many older adults may not recognise early signs of overheating or feel thirsty, increasing the risk of dehydration.
Keep indoor environments as cool as possible
Across our care homes, we proactively monitor indoor temperatures throughout the day and make practical adjustments to ensure residents remain comfortable and cool. We suggest keeping curtains, blinds and windows closed during the hottest part of the day, then opening windows during cooler mornings or overnight to improve ventilation.
Use shaded areas or cooler rooms wherever possible and position fans safely to improve air circulation without directing airflow continuously onto frail residents.
Encourage regular hydration and appropriate nutrition
Being proactive can make a huge difference during a heatwave. Offer drinks regularly rather than waiting for residents to ask, including water, diluted squash, milk or other suitable drinks.
Water-rich foods such as melon, berries, cucumber, salads and yoghurt can also help. Monitor residents who may forget to drink, particularly those living with dementia, and record fluid intake where appropriate.
Help residents cool down safely
Apply cool, damp flannels to the neck and wrists, and offer cool (not ice-cold) showers or foot baths where appropriate. Encourage lightweight, breathable clothing, keep residents out of direct sunlight during peak temperatures and use shaded outdoor areas during cooler periods. These simple measures help improve comfort while reducing the risk of overheating.
Recognise the early signs of heat-related illness
Recognising symptoms early allows staff to respond before the condition becomes more serious. Watch for dizziness, confusion, headaches, excessive sweating, nausea, fatigue, weakness, rapid breathing and muscle cramps.
If you are concerned about an elderly person, you should try to move them to a cooler area and encourage fluids if they are able to drink safely. You can also use cooling measures such as damp cloths or a fan if appropriate. Make sure that you seek medical advice if symptoms do not improve quickly or worsen.
Increase monitoring and welfare checks during heatwaves
Additional observations should become part of routine care home heatwave advice whenever temperatures rise significantly.
Not only should you increase welfare checks throughout the day, but also pay particular attention to residents with dementia, reduced mobility or long-term medical conditions.
Make sure that you are monitoring room temperatures and moving residents to cooler areas, if necessary, whilst ensuring fluids, shade and cooling aids remain easily accessible. It is also important to keep families informed where appropriate about measures being taken to protect residents.
At Mariposa Care, keeping residents safe and comfortable is at the heart of everything we do. Preparing for hot weather, even in short bursts by encouraging regular hydration, adapting daily routines are all part of the personalised care we provide.
Looking for a care home that puts resident wellbeing first?
Keeping older people safe and comfortable during a heatwave is just one part of providing high-quality care. At Mariposa Care, our experienced teams are committed to supporting residents’ health and wellbeing throughout the year, adapting care to changing weather, individual needs and the latest best practice.
From personalised care plans and nutritious meals to comfortable living environments and compassionate support, we focus on helping every resident feel safe, valued and well cared for.
If you’re looking for a care home for yourself or a loved one, get in touch with the Mariposa Care team to learn more about our homes, our approach to care and how we can support your family’s needs.
