Advice

How to support someone with dementia in hot weather

Hot weather can bring extra discomfort and a risk of dehydration to people with dementia. 

But there are lots of practical ways you can support them through the summer, according to our Dementia Support Forum members.

Quick tips to cool down 

‘Try a cold water bottle. Refrigerate some water, then fill a hot water bottle with it. When it’s wrapped in a towel or T-shirt, it creates a portable cool patch.’ Collywobbles 

‘Keep the curtains closed to keep the heat out.’ canary 

‘My husband has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as well as dementia and finds it hard going in the heat because the air quality is not as good. He gets very tired and sluggish. So, I close the curtains for shade, put fans on and make sure he has plenty of fluids.’ jennifer1967 
 

Try high-water content foods

‘There are various things that help my dad. Ice lollies, ice creams and fruit with a high-water content, such as watermelon, melon, grapes and pineapple are good. Pre-prepared packs are very handy and the mix of fruits looks enticing. 

‘Tinned fruit works just as well, especially if it’s cold and in juice or syrup. Or jelly pots, particularly ones with fruit pieces – you might need to add ice cream, custard or cream too. 

‘Try small juice cartons with a straw – sometimes drinking with a straw is easier. 

Dad likes beer and lager, especially in warm weather, so I buy alcohol-free versions – he never notices the difference. 

‘In general, try to make food and drink look as appealing and colourful as possible. A slice of lemon or lime in a drink, maybe a strawberry. 

‘Cold water bottles are great and can also be put in the bed. Wipe hands, arms, face and neck with cold, wet flannels, then leave skin to dry naturally. Put feet in a bowl of cool water. 

‘I’ve tried fans and open windows but it’s not a cooling breeze to Dad, it’s a draught. Opening windows becomes a game of window whack-a-mole – I open them and he closes them. So, when Dad has gone to bed and the temperature has dropped, I open all the windows wide, get the temperature in the house down as much as possible.’ Graybiker

Ways to use cold water

‘I've lived in Florida in a flat with no air con, so I have lots of tips. Using a fan can be irritating because they waft warm, not cold, air. So, put a bowl of cold water near a fan to cool down the breeze. 

‘Keep curtains closed all day. You can open windows and curtains on the shady side of your home, especially after sunset. 

Wear roomy cotton tops with short sleeves rather than straps, shirts, skirts and knee-length dresses. This will protect you from burning. Pale colours are also cooler. 

‘Wring out cotton tops or nightwear in cold water before you wear them – evaporation cools you down. Do the same with hand towels and facecloths to lay on hot skin. 

‘Run cold water to cover your hands, wrists and forearms and let it evaporate. When you’re sitting down, keep your feet in a bowl of cold water. You can soak your sun hat in cold water and gently rub your hair with a wet cloth. 

‘Carry a cold drink everywhere! Make ice cubes with diluted squash, fruit juice or clear fruit flavoured water. Ice lollies made with jelly are a good idea as they’re not so messy if they melt. Or liquidise some fruit and refrigerate. Buy a slushy maker cup to freeze your drinks – they work best with fizzy drinks.’ Alisongs