Wirral Carers Alliance

IMPORTANT MESSAGE:

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 'Keeping Well in Hot Weather'

A Guide for Family & Friend Carers

Hot weather can be dangerous, especially for older people, young children,

people with long-term health conditions, those taking certain medicines, and

anyone who may find it difficult to keep themselves cool.

As a Carer, your support can make a real difference.

Simple steps to help someone stay well
•    Encourage regular drinks throughout the day, even if the person does not feel thirsty. Water is best. Try small, frequent sips if they are struggling to drink.
•    Keep the person out of direct sun, especially between 11am and 3pm when the heat is usually strongest.
•    Help them wear loose, light-coloured clothing and use a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen if they need to go outside.
•    Plan essential trips, appointments, dog walks or physical activity for early morning or evening when it is cooler.
•    Keep living spaces cool by closing curtains or blinds on sunny windows during the day and opening windows later when it is cooler outside, if safe to do so.
•    Use cool showers, damp cloths, cool packs wrapped in a cloth, or a spray bottle of cool water to help reduce body temperature.
•    Check that medicines are stored safely, away from direct sunlight and heat. Ask a pharmacist for advice if you are unsure.
•    Check in regularly by phone or in person, especially with anyone who lives alone or may not recognise they are becoming too hot.

Watch for signs of heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion can include tiredness, dizziness, headache, feeling sick or being sick, heavy sweating, pale or clammy skin, cramps, high temperature, thirst or irritability. Move the person to a cooler place, remove unnecessary clothing, give cool drinks, and cool their skin with water and fanning.

When to get medical help
•    Contact NHS 111 if symptoms of heat exhaustion are difficult to manage or you need urgent advice.
•    Call 999 immediately if the person is still unwell after 30 minutes of cooling down, has a very high temperature, hot skin that is not sweating, fast breathing, a fast heartbeat, confusion, a seizure, or loses consciousness.

Remember to look after yourself too
Carers can become unwell in hot weather too. Drink plenty of fluids, take breaks where possible, avoid heavy activity in the hottest part of the day, and ask for help if caring responsibilities feel harder because of the heat.

Please share this message with anyone who supports, visits or cares for

a family member, friend or neighbour.