4 ways to support someone with dementia during extreme heat
For example, we need to identify suitable clothing, increase our fluid intake, and understand how to best keep the house cool.
- For example, we need to identify suitable clothing, increase our fluid intake, and understand how to best keep the house cool.
- These and other factors mean, for someone with dementia, extreme heat can be deadly.
El Niño means there are challenges ahead
- The recent declaration of another El Niño means we need to think about how we can best support those more vulnerable to be safe during the warmer months.
- Extreme heat and bushfires bring unique challenges for someone with dementia.
- Emergency evacuations can also be confusing and distressing for a person with dementia, so it is important to think ahead.
Why are people with dementia more at risk?
- Problems with memory and thinking associated with dementia means remembering to drink or communicating you are thirsty can be challenging.
- But if someone with dementia becomes dehydrated this can increase confusion and agitation, making it harder for them to know how to cool down.
- A person with dementia can also wander and become lost, which can be dangerous in extreme heat.
4 ways to support someone with dementia
- Some air-conditioners have complex settings so make sure the temperature is set appropriately and the person with dementia knows how to use the controls.
- Try to support the person to make suitable clothing choices for the season by having cool, lightweight options easily available.
- Think about communications early If someone with dementia lives alone, consider how you will maintain contact in an emergency.
- If the person with dementia attends a day or respite centre, know their plan too.
- Read more:
Floods and other emergencies can be extra tough for people with dementia and their carers.
We can all help
It’s not just carers of people with dementia who can help. We can all ensure people with dementia stay safe and cool this spring and summer. So remember to check in on your relatives, friends and neighbours or arrange for someone to do so on your behalf.