Check In, Cool Down, Stay Well: Heatwave Advice for Older People and Families

This week, much of the UK is facing extreme heat. The Met Office has issued Amber Extreme Heat Warnings from Monday 22 June through to Thursday 25 June, with temperatures forecast to widely exceed 35°C and potentially reach 38°C in the hottest areas. UKHSA has also issued heat-health alerts across England, including amber alerts for London, the South East and several other regions until Friday 26 June.

For some people, hot weather is uncomfortable.

For others, especially older people, people living alone, those with long-term health conditions, and anyone who struggles to keep their home cool, it can become dangerous very quickly.

At Evergreen Care UK, we know that prevention often starts with noticing. Noticing when someone has not been out. Noticing when a neighbour seems quieter than usual. Noticing when someone might need help but has not asked for it.

During a heatwave, a simple check-in can be more than kind. It can be protective.

Why hot weather can be dangerous for older people

As we get older, our bodies can find it harder to cope with sudden temperature changes. Some people may not feel thirsty, may be less able to cool themselves down, or may be taking medication that affects how their body responds to heat.

UKHSA warns that sustained periods of warm weather can result in serious health outcomes, especially for older adults and people with underlying health conditions.

Hot weather can also be harder for people who:

live alone, have heart, lung, kidney or memory conditions, have reduced mobility, cannot easily get out to cooler places, live in homes that become very warm, are unable to shop, collect medication or prepare cold meals easily, may not realise they are becoming unwell

This is why families, carers, friends and neighbours have such an important role to play.

Don’t assume someone is okay because they haven’t asked for help

Many older people do not want to feel like a burden.

Some may say they are “fine” when they are not. Some may not want to trouble anyone. Others may not realise that they are overheating, becoming dehydrated, or struggling to manage daily tasks in the heat.

That is why a quick phone call, doorstep check, or offer to collect shopping can make such a difference.

You do not need to have all the answers. Sometimes the most helpful question is simply:

“Are you managing okay in the heat today?”

How to keep cool at home

Small actions can help reduce the risk of becoming unwell during hot weather.

Try to stay in the coolest room in the home, especially during the hottest part of the day.

Keep curtains or blinds closed in rooms facing the sun.

Open windows when the air outside is cooler than inside, if it is safe to do so.

Drink regularly, even if you do not feel thirsty.

Keep a drink nearby during the day and beside the bed at night.

Avoid too much alcohol, as it can increase the risk of dehydration.

Use a cool, damp cloth on wrists, neck or forehead.

Have a cool shower, bath or foot bath if this feels comfortable and safe.

Wear loose, light-coloured clothing.

Avoid using the oven during the hottest part of the day.

Avoiding too much time outside or exercising during the hottest part of the day, between 11 am and 3 pm, and staying in the shade where possible. If outside, wear a sun hat, carry water, wear lightweight clothing and use at least SPF 30 sun cream.

How families, carers and neighbours can help

If you are supporting an older relative, neighbour or friend this week, here are some simple things to check.

Ask whether they have enough to drink.

Check whether their home is staying cool.

Encourage them to close curtains or blinds in sunny rooms.

Make sure they have light meals or cold food available.

Offer to collect shopping, prescriptions or essentials.

Encourage them to avoid going out between 11 am and 3 pm.

Check whether they have working fans and if they use them.

Make sure they know who to call if they feel unwell.

Call again later in the day if you are worried.

If someone lives alone, one call may not be enough during extreme heat. A morning and evening check-in can be reassuring, especially if the nights are very warm.

What to watch for: signs of heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion can happen when the body gets too hot and starts to struggle to cool down.

According to the NHS, signs of heat exhaustion can include tiredness, dizziness, headache, feeling sick, excessive sweating, cramps, a fast pulse, high temperature and feeling very thirsty.

Someone may also seem more confused, irritable, weak or unlike themselves.

If you think someone has heat exhaustion, help them move somewhere cooler. Encourage them to rest, drink fluids and cool their skin with cool water, a fan or cool cloths.

The NHS says heat exhaustion should usually improve within 30 minutes of cooling down. If it does not improve or if symptoms become more serious, urgent help may be needed.

When to call 999

Heatstroke is a medical emergency.

Call 999 if someone:

is still unwell after 30 minutes of resting somewhere cool, being cooled and drinking fluids. has a very high temperature, has hot skin that is not sweating, has a fast heartbeat, has fast breathing or shortness of breath, is confused or has poor coordination, has a seizure or loses consciousness

UKHSA and the NHS both advise calling 999 if heatstroke is suspected. While waiting for help, try to move the person somewhere cooler and continue cooling them down.

Looking out for people living alone

People living alone can be particularly vulnerable during hot weather.

They may not have anyone nearby to notice if they are becoming unwell. They may avoid asking for help. They may also try to carry on as normal, even when the heat is affecting them.

This week, please think about someone who may need a check-in.

It could be a parent.

A grandparent.

A neighbour.

Someone from your street.

Someone you usually see at a community group, café, church, shop or bus stop.

If they are not around as usual, it is worth checking.

A simple knock at the door could be the thing that helps someone stay safe.

Water safety during hot weather

When the weather is very hot, open water can look tempting. But rivers, lakes, docks and reservoirs can still be dangerously cold, even during a heatwave.

The Met Office has highlighted water safety as a particular concern during this period of extreme heat.

If you are caring for grandchildren, supporting family members, or spending time outdoors, please take care around open water. Cold water shock can happen quickly and can affect even strong swimmers.

A message for carers

If you are caring for someone during this heatwave, please remember to look after yourself too.

Caring can become even more demanding in extreme weather. You may be checking fluids, medication, food, clothing, room temperature and whether someone is becoming confused or unwell.

Please drink regularly, rest when you can, and ask for support if you need it.

You cannot pour from an empty cup, especially in this heat.

Looking out for each other in Bexley

At Evergreen Care UK, we believe community care is not only about services. It is about people noticing one another.

It is the neighbour who knocks.

The daughter who calls twice instead of once.

The volunteer checks whether someone has a drink nearby.

The friend who says, “I’m going to the shop — do you need anything?”

During this heatwave, small acts of care matter.

Please check in.

Please cool down.

Please stay well.

And please do not assume someone is okay just because they have not asked for help.

Useful official guidance

For the latest heat-health alerts, visit the UKHSA Heat Health Alerts dashboard.

For current weather warnings, check the Met Office.

For symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, use NHS guidance.

Frequently asked questions

Why are older people more at risk during a heatwave?

Older people may find it harder to regulate body temperature. They may also have long-term health conditions, take medication, live alone, have reduced mobility, or find it harder to keep their home cool.

What are the signs of heat exhaustion?

Signs can include dizziness, tiredness, headache, feeling sick, heavy sweating, muscle cramps, thirst, a high temperature and weakness. Someone may also seem confused or unlike themselves.

How can I help an older neighbour in hot weather?

Check whether they have enough to drink, whether their home is staying cool, whether they need shopping or medication collected, and whether they know who to call if they feel unwell.

When should I call 999 during a heatwave?

Call 999 if someone may have heatstroke, is very confused, has a seizure, loses consciousness, has hot skin that is not sweating, has fast breathing, or does not improve after 30 minutes of cooling down.

What is the simplest thing I can do today?

Check in on someone who may be at risk. A phone call, text, doorstep visit or offer to collect essentials could make all the difference.