The UK has had something of a mixed summer this year, with some days being dull and overcast and others sunny and warm. Whatever the weather, summertime can bring added risks and concerns around keeping older and vulnerable care residents healthy and hydrated. Summer sun can still pose a threat around sunburn, sunstroke and hyperthermia, while not getting enough to drink can lead to fatigue, light-headedness, extreme thirst and urinary tract infections.
Fighting dehydration
It is vital to drink enough fluid to prevent dehydration, even when summer temperatures are in their mid-twenties and below. People can become dehydrated very quickly, especially if they are older, have existing health conditions or are vulnerable in another way. Keep an eye on how much your care home residents drink in a day. The recommended amount is around eight glasses of water, or the equivalent fluids. Avoid offering too much alcohol or caffeine, as this can contribute to dehydration if consumed in excess.
Care Vision has a highly effective tool to monitor fluids and make sure care home residents are drinking enough per day. Intuitive, easy-to-use charts enable care staff to track the fluids and nutrients people are receiving and receive alerts of any significant changes or concerns. Key information can be recorded in real-time and used to inform shift changeovers. Issues can be spotted and rectified quickly, while fluid intake targets can be added to help keep people safe and well in hot weather. Don’t forget that eating ‘juicy’ foods like melon, cucumber and citrus fruits can also help keep people hydrated and contribute to their fluid levels.
Preventing hyperthermia
Heat exhaustion and sunstroke are both forms of hyperthermia, a dangerous condition that can escalate very quickly in vulnerable care residents. It is especially dangerous for people who find it harder to regulate their body temperature, such as older people or very young children. Hyperthermia happens when the body’s temperature rises to a dangerous level. Sunstroke symptoms to watch out for include excess sweating, fatigue, raised heat rate, muscle cramps, dizziness, heat rash and nausea. If you suspect someone may be experiencing sunstroke, it is vital to call for emergency medical assistance immediately.
The good news is that there is plenty that can be done to help people showing signs of heat exhaustion or sunstroke. Move them to somewhere cooler and remove any heavy or tight clothing. Apply cool compresses to the skin and spray cold water onto their wrists, neck and ankles. Give the person an electrolyte drink, sports drink or water mixed with a couple of teaspoons of salt. Do not offer caffeinated or alcoholic beverages as these can increase symptoms of dehydration and exacerbate hyperthermia. For more serious symptoms of sunstroke or hyperthermia, seek emergency medical assistance. You can also help the person to bathe or shower in cool water, if they are able to move safely to the bathroom. Other ideas include applying ice packs wrapped in a cloth to the neck, armpits and groin – where the blood passes closer to the surface of the skin – and spraying a cooling mist or blowing cold air from a fan in their direction.
Cooling tips and tricks
Alongside ensuring adequate hydration and offering plenty of fluids, there are many other ways to help keep your care residents cool and protected before hyperthermia and dehydration arise. Encourage people to dress appropriately, wearing ‘breathable’ layers that can be added or taken away easily, according to temperature changes. Accessories such as wide brimmed hats and sunglasses will help keep the sun off the face and eyes.
Help residents apply sun cream before going outside, even when the day is overcast to protect the skin at all times. Advise people to stay inside at peak times of the day for heat and sun, such as lunchtimes and help them stay cool with a cold shower or wet cloth applied to the wrist or back of the neck. If you do decide to plan outside activities during warmer summer days, stick to early morning (before 10am) or later afternoon (after 4pm) for the coolest parts of the day.
Finally, always use your care planning software to record any concerning symptoms, changes to temperature, loss of appetite and other behavioural changes. This information can be very important for medical teams in the event of someone becoming dehydrated or otherwise unwell or overheated on a hot summer’s day.
