07/18/2025
During the heat, ways to help someone with dementia 🩵
The heatwave is here 🔥
For many, it’s time to get outside and enjoy those gardens, parks and outdoor spaces for many. But the hot weather can cause discomfort and a risk of dehydration for people living with dementia.
Here are a few things that can help:
☀️ Make sure the person is dressed appropriately. Try light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes made from natural fibres.
☀️ Keep the house as cool as possible. Keep curtains or blinds closed during the day - especially in south-facing rooms. In the evening, open the windows to let the warm air out and the colder air in.
☀️ Avoid the midday sun. Stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day (between 11am and 3pm). Seek out plenty of shade and reapply sunscreen regularly when out.
☀️ Find ways to cool off. Help them take a cool bath or shower. Place a washcloth and some iced water nearby to dab themselves with.
☀️ Stay hydrated. Leave beakers or jugs of water within easy reach. Provide high water content foods like ice lollies, jelly, ice cream, soup and fruit such as melon
☀️ Ask friends and neighbours to pop in and check the person is ok. If you don’t live near the person, they could stay and have a drink with the person and make sure they have everything they need.