People in need of care

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People in need of care are dependent on assistance and are often unable to protect themselves adequately from heat. They require support with protective measures, such as drinking, and may not notice warning signs from their bodies.

The need for care is often associated with older age. At the same time, the body becomes less able to adapt to heat as it ages. The sensation of thirst diminishes and sweat production decreases. This increases the risk of overheating and dehydration.

Limited mobility has a negative impact on the ability to adapt to heat. For example, it is no longer so easy to leave a warm home and find a cool place.

Acute or chronic illnesses can also make it more difficult for the body to adapt to heat.

People in need of care often take medication. Some medications put additional strain on the circulatory system or promote dehydration.

Dehydration

You can recognise dehydration by these signs:

• Thirst
• Dry mouth and mucous membranes
• Headache, dizziness, feeling of weakness
• Less frequent urge to urinate
• Dark urine
• Confusion
• Palpitations
• Muscle cramps

Tips for heat protection

How to protect people in need of care from heat:

• Offer drinks regularly: Every 30-60 minutes
• Use a reminder to drink, such as a drinking app, alarm clock or voice assistant
• Make the amount to drink visible, for example by providing a container with a known capacity in the morning or keeping a tally of the glasses or cups drunk
• Add variety with diluted fruit juices or broths.
• Adjust the meal plan: Offer light, water-rich foods, such as salad. Avoid heavy, fatty foods.
• Make sure you wear light, airy clothing and sunscreen.
• To cool down, use a foot bath with lukewarm water or a cool washcloth on your forehead, wrists or neck.
• Have the medication intake checked by the: family doctor .
• Observe the storage instructions for the medication.
• Ask about the physical condition and watch for signs of dehydration and symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
• If the patient is bedridden, use only a sheet as a blanket and as few pillows as possible.
• Use a mesh pants with insert instead of disposable nappies. If necessary, check the skin daily to prevent infections.