Important reminder about caring for older people in warmer weather

As you know, hotter summer weather means we need to be alert to the possibility of heatwaves.

Older people are among those most at risk of heat-related illness. Due to normal age-related changes to the body, older people do not always recognise that they are over-heated. In addition, older people are more likely to have a chronic medical condition and to be taking medication that may interfere with the body's ability to regulate fluid. 

Older people living in the community may suffer from heat stress and those who live alone without regular contact from others may be particularly at risk. It is likely that you already have protocols in place to meet these circumstances. However, to assist the comfort of older people receiving home and community care, and for you to meet the requirements of the Home Care Standards, particularly Standard 2 (Appropriate Access and Service Delivery), the following activities need to be undertaken as appropriate:

• Review and check on clients at risk, particularly those who live alone and/or have limited capacity to keep cool
• be aware that clients are particularly at risk when there are high night-time temperatures
• check cooling systems are working effectively; suggest or make arrangements for a portable air conditioner, cooler or fan if the client's home is not air-conditioned (remembering that the use of fans in an overheated environment can make dehydration worse)
• raise awareness with relatives and friends to ensure that your client is cool and comfortable and appropriately dressed on hot days
• offer to provide extra support where family is not available to assist. Consider the possibilities of food spoilage as well as advice about how to keep cool
• check that the temperature in a client's home is kept comfortable, keeping curtains and blinds closed to reduce excess heat
• ensure small amounts of fluids are readily available, rather than large amounts of fluids less frequently
• suggest alternative forms of fluid, such as jelly, ice-cream or fruit juice blocks and discourage alcoholic or caffeinated beverages
• encourage your clients to eat frequent small meals
• encourage clients to wear loose fitting clothing, use sunscreen and keep skin covered when exposed to direct sunlight
• encourage clients to seek some shade when outside, and to avoid going outside between 11am and 3pm
• offer additional tepid showers or sponging; and
• observe for signs of heat stress, such as nausea, and changes in appearance including red, pale or severely dry skin

A special note about medicines

Some medicines increase the risk of heat-associated illness in susceptible people. These include:

• medicines that cause dehydration or electrolyte imbalance;
• medicines likely to reduce renal function; and
• medicines that interfere with the production or regulation of heat.

If your client shows signs of heat-associated illness, report these symptoms to the Care Provider to arrange a review of medication with a pharmacist or general practitioner. A medication review should assess the risks and benefits of any changes to a medication regimen.

If you are concerned about a client's wellbeing, his or her medical practitioner should be immediately contacted.

Heatwave Checklist

Before a heat wave occurs:
• Assess if your loved ones are at risk - who has limited capacity to keep cool; or if the home is prone to being hot
• Check that the cooling system is adequate and working effectively

During a heat wave:
• Be aware the elderly may be at particular risk following high overnight temperatures
• Keep curtains and blinds closed to reduce excess heat
• Make small amounts of fluids readily available
• Provide alternative forms of fluid, and discourage alcoholic or caffeinated beverages
• Encourage them to eat frequent small meals
• Encourage wearing loose fitting clothing, use sunscreen and keep skin covered when exposed to direct sunlight
• Encourage them to seek shade when outside, and to avoid going out between 11am and 3pm
• Offer additional tepid showers or sponging
• Observe for signs of heat stress, such as nausea, and changes in appearance including red, pale or severely dry skin; and
• Request a clinical assessment if your loved one shows any signs of deterioration