Staying hydrated during a heatwave | Community care advice

Staying hydrated during a heat wave: why hydration matters for vulnerable adults

The UK is currently experiencing high temperatures, and we’re expected to see a number of heatwaves over the coming weeks and months.

With this in mind, we’re sharing practical advice and explaining the importance of preventing dehydration in older adults and how to keep elderly people hydrated during a heatwave.

Why can heatwaves be dangerous?

For many, a heatwave is a chance to enjoy some much-needed sunshine, however for others, the warmer weather and extreme temperatures can be rather dangerous.

Whether someone is living with dementia, has a learning disability or a long-term health condition, or is more vulnerable due to age, extreme temperatures can be dangerous and staying hydrated is essential.

Staying hydrated is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your health during hot weather. Water plays a vital role in ensuring the body is able to function properly and efficiently, supporting digestion and regulating body temperature.

During a heatwave, it’s easy to lose fluids through excessive sweating, making it easier to become dehydrated.

Even mild dehydration can cause a variety of symptoms, such as tiredness, headaches, dizziness and difficulty concentrating. This can then lead to low blood pressure, an increased heartbeat – making older people and those with health conditions particularly vulnerable.

Signs of dehydration

If you or a loved one are displaying any of these signs during warmer weather, then they may be dehydrated:

• Dizziness
• Feeling tired, weak or lethargic
• Headaches
• Confusion and forgetfulness
• Irritability or changes in behaviour
• Dark urine or going to the toilet less frequently
• Cold and clammy skin
• Rapid breathing or a fast heart rate
• Increased sleepiness

Elderly, vulnerable adults and the heat

Older people, or those living with health conditions may find it difficult to recognise when they are becoming dehydrated.

Reduced mobility or conditions such as dementia, can make it difficult for people to physically get themselves drinks and fluids, so it’s important that family members or community carers are regularly checking in to support this.

It can be easy to dismiss a change in behaviour or health as a result of old age or their ongoing conditions, so it’s important for these changes to be considered and assessed appropriately.

If left untreated, dehydration can increase the risk of heat stroke and heat exhaustion, which can become serious is not treated and managed quickly and effectively.

Top tips for preventing dehydration

We should be aiming to prevent dehydration in older adults rather than treat it as and when it arises.

Here are hydration tips for older adults:

• Drink little and often, even if you don’t feel thirsty (water, squash, juice, or even hot drinks)
• Include foods with higher water content into meals and snacks, including melon, cucumber, tomatoes, oranges and yogurt
• Regularly check urine colour
• Stay indoors and keep indoor environments as cool as possible
• Wear lightweight clothing
• Avoid excessive alcohol

How carers can help during a heatwave

Whether you’re a family carer or a professional care or support worker, there are a few simple yet effective things you can do to reduce the risk of dehydration:

• Offer drinks regularly throughout the day
• Don’t wait for someone to ask for food or drink
• Monitor any changes in behaviour
• Look out for signs of confusion
• Help keep living spaces cool
• Check in more frequently
• Ensure drinks are left easily accessible for those with mobility or cognitive health problems – a water bottle close by, for example

FAQs:

How much should older or vulnerable adults drink during a heatwave?
– Fluid needs vary differently for each individual dependent on their health conditions and medication. However, it is important for them to drink regularly throughout the day to help prevent hydration.

Can tea and coffee help with hydration?
– Yes! Tea, coffee and other hot drinks contribute to your daily fluid intake, although water is the ideal choice during hot weather.

Why are older adults more at risk of dehydration?
– As we age, our senses tend to become less reliable, including feelings of thirst and hunger. Some health conditions and medications can also make dehydration more likely – whether this is through forgetfulness or mobility issues.

When to get help for dehydration?
– If the first signs and symptoms of dehydration don’t improve after increasing fluid intake or moving to a cool place and resting, then it is important to seek urgent medical attention.

Supporting vulnerable adults through hot weather

Staying hydrated during a heatwave is one of the simplest yet effective ways to protect older adults and vulnerable people.

Whether it’s checking in on an elderly neighbour, arranging more frequent visits to family members or seeking support from a trusted community care provider, taking simple steps to encourage regular hydration can make a huge difference.

It’s important that people are receiving an appropriate level of care and support to suit their needs.

Recognising the early signs of dehydration and acting quickly, the support workers at Radis Community Care can help older and vulnerable adults stay safe, healthy and comfortable throughout summer.

For more information on receiving professional care or support, please visit: www.radis.co.uk.