Temperatures across the UK hit record levels last month, and while this forces various sectors to cope with the unprecedented temperatures, many are finding ways to adapt to the heatwaves that are predicted to be longer and more intense.
While warmer weather is a good for those living in care to enjoy the outdoors by sitting in shaded areas, wearing sunscreen and keeping hydrated, the heatwaves can be a concern to care home residents, their loved ones, and also for those who work there. In this blog, we will discuss why the increasing temperatures are causing multiple problems in care home, and what steps could be taken to keep everyone safe.
Key takeaways
Why are heatwaves such a problem for care homes?
The simple answer is that many care homes are not equipment to handle extreme temperatures, this is because they are often housed in old or repurposed buildings. Air conditioning is rare, and sometimes residents’ rooms don’t have access to, or are very limited to, fresh air where it is common for windows to only open slightly for safety reasons.
Care homes in the UK are generally designed to retain heat during winter to protect against the cold, but these measures may increase the risk of overheating in the summertime if appropriate cooling strategies are not available.
The Risks Hot Weather Can Bring to Care Home Residents
With heatwaves in the UK increasing in intensity and numbers, there has been a significant impact to the health of nursing home residents in England. The older population are particularly vulnerable to the effects of hot weather, raising growing concerns about the risks that extreme temperatures pose to those living in nursing and residential care
According to a new study lead by researchers from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, they compared mortality rates between 2022-24 with the daily average temperatures. The data revealed that the risk of death for residents, where high-level medical care is needed, doubled on days where external temperatures hit 25°C compared to days of 16°C. And for residents living in residentials care, those who are more mobile and need less intensive care, the risk of still increased by 50% during the same period.
As temperatures rise, it's important for care providers to understand the health risks and take steps to keep residents safe. Specific risks and consequences heatwaves have on residents include:
Heat-related illnesses
- Heat exhaustion: Heat exhaustion is often the first sign that someone's body is struggling with the heat. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, feeling sick, muscle weakness, pale skin, heavy sweating and a weak pulse. If treated quickly by moving the person to a cool place and encouraging them to drink fluids, they will usually recover.
Heatstroke: Heatstroke is a medical emergency. It happens when the body can no longer cool itself down and body temperature rises to dangerous levels. Warning signs include confusion, loss of consciousness, hot, dry or flushed skin, and a rapid pulse. Without urgent medical treatment, heatstroke can lead to organ damage and can be life-threatening.
Dehydration and medication
- Dehydration: Many older people do not feel thirsty as often as younger adults, which means they can become dehydrated without realising it. If dehydration is not recognised early, it can increase the risk of falls, urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney problems and, in severe cases, sepsis.
- The effect of medication: Some medicines commonly taken by care home residents can make it harder for the body to cope with hot weather. These include diuretics, antipsychotic medicines and antihistamines. They can affect sweating, body temperature and fluid levels, making dehydration more likely.
Existing health conditions can become worse
- Heart and lung conditions: High temperatures put extra strain on the heart, forcing it to work harder to keep the body cool. This can increase the risk of heart-related problems. Hot weather can also reduce air quality, making breathing more difficult for people living with asthma or other long-term lung conditions.
- Dementia and Alzheimer's disease: Residents living with dementia or Alzheimer's disease are particularly at risk during hot weather. They may not realise they are too warm, may struggle to tell staff how they feel, or may refuse to move to a cooler area. Some may even continue wearing extra clothing or blankets, making them more vulnerable to overheating.
Challenges for care homes
- Keeping buildings cool: Many care homes in the UK are based in older or converted buildings that were not designed for extreme heat. Poor insulation, limited ventilation and the lack of air conditioning can cause indoor temperatures to become uncomfortably high, making it harder to keep residents cool.
- Extra pressure on care teams: Heatwaves can place additional demands on care staff. During busy shifts, it can be more difficult to make sure every resident is drinking enough fluids and staying comfortable. Having clear hydration plans and regular wellbeing checks can help ensure no one is overlooked.
How care homes can protect residents during hot weather
The aim for most care homes is to keep their vulnerable residents cool, hydrated and safe from heat stress. While the hot weather can pose serious risks to resident’s health, there are many simple and effective ways care homes can keep residents safe and comfortable.
- Encouraging regular hydration: Offer fluids regularly throughout the day, don’t wait for residents to ask for a drink. Keep drinks within easy reach and offer foods with high water content, such as melon, cucumber, jelly or ice lollies (where appropriate) can also support fluid intake.
- Keep the building as cool as possible: Keep curtains or blinds closed on windows that receive direct sunlight, and open windows earlier in the morning and later in the evening when the temperatures are lower. Where safe to do so, use fans and air conditioning, ensuring they do not blow directly onto residents for too long, and if you are able to, create cool rooms where residents can spend the hottest part of the day.
- Adjust daily routines: Carry out activities during cooler parts of the day, such as the morning or early evening, and encourage residents to rest during the hottest hours to keep heart rates lower and breathing easier. Avoid unnecessary physical activity when temperatures are at their highest.
- Dress residents appropriately: Encourage residents to wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made from breathable fabrics. If they are outdoors, recommend wide brimmed hats and sun cream, and ensure they have access to shaded areas.
- Review medications: Work with GPs, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals to review medications and ensure staff are aware of residents who may need additional monitor during hot weather, due to the affect some medications have on the body’s ability to stay cool and hydrated.
- Train and support staff: Ensure all staff can recognise and understand the signs and symptoms of heat related illnesses and know how to respond quickly and correctly. Have a clear procedure in place for hydration, temperature monitoring, and emergency situations to support residents receiving prompt and effective care.
- Develop a hot weather plan: Create and communicate a plan that includes hydration schedules, room temperature monitoring, staff responsibilities, emergency procedures, and communication with resident’s families where appropriate.
Conclusion
As the frequency of heatwaves continue to rise across the country, care home providers must adapt to ensure the safety of their residents. With the aging population growing, more people are vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat, making proactive planning, effective cooling measures, and regular monitoring more important than ever.
Preparing for extreme weather is no longer a something that should be lightly consideration, it's an essential part of delivering safe, quality care to residents in a changing climate.