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As a carer, it’s likely that you’re doing many things to ensure the person you care for is kept safe and well.
However, as we get further into summer, the warmer weather can bring its own set of challenges, including unusually high temperatures and potential health risks associated with overheating and dehydration.
That’s why it’s vital to prioritise safety, for both you as well as the people you care for, especially as most of us like to spend more time outside in the summer months. In this blog edition, we’ll explore essential tips to help you to have a safe and enjoyable summer.
Drink plenty of water
The hot weather can quickly lead to dehydration, especially for people with disabilities or those who have difficulty with communication.
However, as a carer, it's essential that you fill your own cup first and keep yourself hydrated. As the saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Drinking plenty of water helps you to stay well and can also encourage those you care for to drink more.
If the person you care for has difficulty with drinking, incorporating hydrating foods into their diets, such as soups, ice lollies, and fruits and vegetables with a high-water content, can help to keep them hydrated. Avoiding sugary treats and coffee can also help to avoid dehydration.
Keep an eye on temperature
Extreme heat poses significant risks to everyone, however it can be particularly dangerous for people living with disabilities or chronic illnesses. Taking necessary steps to keep the home cool and well ventilated is important when temperatures soar.
Close windows and draw curtains during midday hours, (the hottest part of the day) to block out heat. Placing bottles of cold water near ventilated areas can help to circulate cooler air. Using fans or air conditioning also helps to keep the air moving.
Sun Protection
Sun protection is crucial for all of us, but most importantly for people with limited mobility or sensory impairments. Ensuring that you and the person you care for are shielded from harmful UV rays by regularly applying sunscreen with a high SPF can help to prevent you from getting burnt.
Wear, and encourage the person you care for to wear, wide brimmed hats and lightweight, loose-fitting clothing. UV rays can also damage eyesight, so wearing UV protective sunglasses can also ensure eyes are protected. Avoid long periods of sun exposure and use an umbrella to stay in the shade.
Insect Bites
In summer, many of us like to get outdoors more, meaning that we’re more exposed to insects and their bites. Before you go out, you can apply insect repellants to prevent bites and can take antihistamines to prevent an allergic reaction if you or the person you care for are bitten by an insect.
It’s important to know about allergic reactions and potential diseases like Lyme disease which can be transmitted from insect bites. Regularly inspect for signs of bites or stings and if there is a severe allergic reaction call 999 in an emergency. Signs of allergic reaction can include swelling, discomfort and in more severe cases, flushed and pale skin, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing and losing consciousness.
When indoors, making sure that windows and doors are properly screened can stop bugs and insects from getting inside.
Don't Over do it
When caring for someone, it’s likely that you’re already physically active. While being active is enjoyable and beneficial for us all, it's important to prevent overexerting ourselves in the summer.
Try to balance staying active with avoiding excessive strain. Exercise during cooler times and do low-impact activities such as swimming or gentle stretching. Keeping an eye out for signs of fatigue or heat exhaustion, such as excessive breathing, slow movement, or sluggish speech can help you to spot the signs of over exertion.
Look after your mental health too
As a carer, it’s likely there’s already a lot you’re dealing with and hot weather can provide another challenge, leaving you feeling more tired and exhausted. Excessive heat can also cause physical discomfort, leading to us to feel irritable, agitated, and anxious.
You might already be dealing with disturbed sleep. High temperatures can further disrupt sleep patterns, leading to sleep deprivation, which is closely linked to increased stress and mood disturbances. So, it’s important that you do what you can to look after your mental wellbeing too.
Take advantage of emotional support networks that promote enjoyable activities to enhance mental wellbeing. Try some low activity hobbies, social interaction, and maintain a routine despite the heat. Watch for signs of increased anxiety, depression, distress, or isolation, and connect with support organisations or mental health professionals when necessary. It’s a strength to ask for support when you need it.
Get a Fire Safety Check
No matter what the time of year, it’s always a good time to get a Fire Safety Check if you’ve not yet had one. If you’re over 50 years old and smoke, live alone, have mobility issues or use medical oxygen you can usually get a free Fire Safety Check at home.
A Fire Safety Check involves a Fire Safety Officer visiting your home to ensure it meets fire safety regulations and is as safe as possible from the risk of fire. A Fire Safety Officer can check that smoke alarms and fire detectors are correctly installed, functioning, and appropriately located and test alarm systems to ensure they are audible and operational. They will also assess for potential hazards, review the routes of escape, and provide valuable advice.