{"id":5526,"date":"2023-08-11T08:49:47","date_gmt":"2023-08-11T08:49:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/?page_id=5526"},"modified":"2025-03-24T17:49:38","modified_gmt":"2025-03-24T17:49:38","slug":"keeping-a-person-with-dementia-safe-during-hot-weather","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/health-advice\/keeping-a-person-with-dementia-safe-during-hot-weather\/","title":{"rendered":"Keeping a person with dementia safe during hot weather"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re caring for a loved one living with dementia, we\u2019ve listed some ways you can help them keep safe when the temperatures start to rise.<\/span><\/p>\n

Keeping hydrated<\/h3>\n

Due to communication difficulties a person with dementia may not be able to explain that they<\/span>\u00a0are<\/span>\u00a0dehydrated<\/a> or feeling unwell because of the heat<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>It may a<\/span>lso<\/span>\u00a0be harder for families to monitor for signs of heatstroke and dehydration<\/span>\u00a0and remind the person with dementia of the importance of drinking<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are living apart from a relative, y<\/span>ou could consider usin<\/span>g technology<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0such as a<\/span>lerts on smart devices<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0which can remind a person that they need to drink<\/span>\u00a0throughout the day.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Some medication can be affected by a person\u2019s dehydration and this may lead to a drop in blood pressure. This can lead to falls or fainting. You can avoid this by keeping track of when the person with dementia takes their medication. Sticking to the same schedule every day and ensuring the medication is taken with water is advisable.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Staying cool with appropriate clothing<\/h3>\n

Sometimes a person with dementia may get confused with what clothing to wear during the heat. They may wear fleeces, thick coats or jackets instead of cool and loose fitting clothing. In situations like this, you can look at buying a similar style of clothing made out of a much thinner natural fabric.\u00a0<\/span>If you live with the person,\u00a0<\/span>put out\u00a0<\/span>a clean set of\u00a0<\/span>cool\u00a0<\/span>clothing every day<\/span>\u00a0in the morning<\/span>\u00a0so they know what to wear.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Caring for someone near or at a distance<\/h3>\n

If you know a family living with dementia, you can\u00a0<\/span>contact them\u00a0<\/span>and ask if there is anything they need to keep cool in the heat.\u00a0<\/span>They may be u<\/span>nable to visit supermarkets for items to cool down.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Similarly if you know someone with dementia who is living on their own and far away from you<\/a>, <\/span>try and arrange for friends,\u00a0<\/span>neighbours<\/span>\u00a0or relatives to provide extra checks on\u00a0<\/span>them<\/span>. They might also\u00a0<\/span>be willing to do supply runs<\/span>\u00a0for items like\u00a0<\/span>fans and\u00a0<\/span>light-coloured<\/span>\u00a0curtains\u00a0<\/span>to reflect the heat.<\/span>\u00a0These items can h<\/span>elp<\/span>\u00a0people with dementia\u00a0<\/span>and the wider family\u00a0<\/span>keep cool throughout the day, reducing the risk of overheating and sweating<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other resources<\/strong><\/p>\n