Staying Safe in the Sun: Supportive Advice for Hot Weather
People who live with dementia experience elevated risks during hot weather seasons. Brain changes result in reduced ability to sense thirst and understand body temperature and express discomfort effectively. The brain changes reduce their ability to defend themselves against sunburn together with heat exhaustion and dehydration.
Activities to Share exists to enhance wellness during every season including summer. The Alzheimer’s Society provided guidance which led us to create helpful recommendations that support carers and families in caring for their relatives throughout hot summer days.
Hot weather creates additional difficulties that specifically affect dementia patients.
The condition creates several challenges which affect individuals with dementia in the following ways:
- The person has difficulty remembering to drink fluids at regular times.
- People with dementia cannot identify the first warning indicators of high body temperature.
- The condition affects patients in their ability to express illness or discomfort to others.
- People select inappropriate clothing for hot weather conditions.
Early detection of these minor issues becomes vital since they create severe complications when staff members or care recipients have limited support resources.
Practical Ways to Stay Safe and Cool
1. Hydration is Key
People with dementia should receive drinks at scheduled times throughout the day rather than only during meals. People should drink various beverages that include water and diluted squash as well as herbal tea and ice pops to stay hydrated. The patient should drink from a familiar cup which should be visible to them while staff members provide comforting verbal cues.
2. Dress for the Weather
The selection of suitable clothing includes cotton and linen materials along with light fabrics and light colors. Body temperature regulation becomes easier through the use of loose-fitting clothes which allow air to pass through.
3. Use Sun Protection
The person should use a wide-brimmed hat together with sunglasses and apply SPF 30+ sunscreen specifically during the hot part of the day between 11am and 3pm. Our Sun Hat designs with wide brims provide both safety and comfort to users who want to spend time outdoors without discomfort.
4. Stay Indoors During Peak Heat
Schedule your activities for the early morning or late afternoon when the temperature remains lower. Fans or open windows should be used inside to create a breeze and curtains should block direct sunlight.
5. Watch for Signs of Heat Exhaustion
Excessive sweating together with pale or clammy skin and tiredness along with confusion and dizziness indicate heat exhaustion. Carers need to monitor dementia patients’ behavior changes carefully because heat-related symptoms can be challenging to detect in this population.
A Gentle Reminder for Carers
Carers and family members who stay alert throughout warm days create a significant difference for their loved ones. Basic heat-related illness prevention includes checking clothing and creating shaded garden spaces and reminding individuals to drink water which helps protect independence and comfort.
Don’t Forget the Sun Hat!
Lightweight hats made from breathable materials serve two purposes by shielding people from sunstroke while maintaining their comfort outside. Our sun hat selection features designs that focus on user comfort:
Source: How to support somebody living with dementia in hot weather
