Extreme heat advice

• During very hot weather, you have a greater risk of getting sick.  
• Some people may experience the effects of hot weather more than others. 
• It’s important to know what these effects are, who is at risk and what you can do. 
• Heatstroke is a medical emergency. 
• Get treatment straight away. 

Read more about extreme heat

Extreme heat risks for older people

You may have a greater risk of heat-related illness if: 

• you live alone 
• have a medical condition  
• take certain medicines 
• are frail 
• can’t move easily 
• have dementia 
• have a mental illness. 

Caring for an older person during extreme heat

• Check on an older person twice a day during extreme heat. Especially if they live alone.  
• Visit them if you can, rather than just talking on the phone.  
• Ensure they are drinking enough water 
• Look for any changes to their physical condition. 
• Have plans to keep them cool if there is a power failure. 
• Check if their phone and safety alarm pendant work if there is no electricity. 
• It is very important to take care of yourself too. 

Heat-related symptoms in older people

Lookout for symptoms of heat-related illness such as: 

• increased thirst 
• tiredness 
• feeling dizzy or faint 
• muscle spasms or cramps 
• headache 
• loss of appetite. 

What to do if they have heat stress

• Help cool them down straight away. 
• Use cool baths or showers, or place cool, wet towels on their neck and underarms. 
• Call a doctor or an ambulance (000) if their condition does not improve within an hour.