Staying cool in the summer
We love when the sun makes an appearance here in the UK, and for most of us, it’s great news. However, it’s important when the weather gets hotter that we look after our elderly and vulnerable neighbours who have a higher risk once the weather gets warmer.
Some of the risks that they are exposed to include dehydration and heatstroke, so we have shared some tips on staying cool in the summer which can be shared with everybody and anybody who needs it.
Keep your home cool
If the sun is blaring through your home, it will make overheating more likely. To keep your home cool, you could keep your curtains closed so the sun doesn’t shine in. You can also cool your home by waiting until the outside temperature is cooler than your room temperature and then opening your windows, this will create a cooler airflow in your home.
Stay in the shade
The sun is as its hottest between 11 am and 3 pm, so we would advise against going outside during these hours. If it is essential, try to walk in the shade, wear a hat to cover up or avoid going between these hours.
Take a rest
It’s important to lead a healthy and active lifestyle, however, doing too much strenuous activity when the weather is warm can lead to dehydration. Try to keep your activity levels lower when the weather is warm, to make sure you avoid dehydration and keep your body cool.
Cool yourself down
There are smaller ways you can keep yourself cool. By eating cooler foods and opting for cold drinks rather than hot drinks, you will be keeping your body cooler. Try to avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they will raise your temperature. When choosing what to eat, opt for food with a higher water content such as cucumber, strawberries, cauliflower and peppers – as this will again keep you more hydrated.
If you’re feeling too hot, try sprinkling some cold water onto your clothes or wrists. You could also keep a cold cloth or flannel on the back of your neck and that will keep you feeling cooler.
If you experience symptoms such as headaches, tiredness, sickness, dizziness, confusion or muscle cramps then you could be overheating. It’s important to spot these signs quickly and change your efforts to keeping cool in order to combat them.
For more advice on staying cool in the summer, you can visit the official NHS page here.
If you are concerned about someone under our care during the warmer months, please feel free to contact us here.
If this summer, you have decided you want to help your local community then you’re in luck as we have lots of community carer roles available. You can view our vacancies here.
