Top Tips for Staying Cool in Summer
Published: 23/06/2023
Top Tips for Staying Cool in Summer
As the Summer months approach and temperatures rise, it's important to stay cool and protect yourself from the potential health risks associated with extreme heat. Hot weather can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable people, including older adults and those with underlying health conditions. As we age, our bodies become less efficient at regulating temperature, increasing the risk of dehydration and overheating. At Right at Home Grantham, Newark, Melton and Oakham, the well-being of our clients is our top priority, and we are committed to ensuring their safety during the summer heat. With this in mind, we wanted to share some top tips from our expert care givers on staying cool during the hottest months of the year.
Keeping Your Home Cool in Summer
Creating a cool and comfortable indoor environment is crucial for beating the summer heat. Consider the following tips:
- Resist the temptation to let the light in and close curtains or blinds in rooms that face the sun to minimise heat absorption.
- In the morning and early evening, create a cross-breeze by opening windows and doors at opposite ends of the house to allow fresh air to circulate.
- During the hottest part of the day, keep windows and doors closed to prevent hot air from entering your home.
- If you don’t already have one, it’s worth investing in a fan. Additionally, placing a large bowl of ice in front of the fan will cool down the circulating air.
- Eat outside if you can, and avoid using the oven to cook meals as this will generate more heat in the home.
- Turn off any unused appliances, don’t leave them on standby. Chargers, televisions, computers and kitchen appliances will all add heat to a room.
Sleeping Better in Hot Weather
Getting a good night's sleep during hot weather is always a challenge. Here are some tips to help you sleep comfortably during the summer months:
- Run cold water over your wrists and soak your feet in cool water to help lower your body temperature before bed.
- Use a duvet with a lower tog rating (between 2.5-7 tog) to keep cool, or swap the duvet for a sheet on hotter evenings.
- If you use a fan at night, position it towards a window. This will help to push out the warm air, cooling down the room.
- Make the most of your freezer. Place pillowcases, sheets and socks in a bag and pop them in your freezer ready for bedtime. You can even freeze a hot water bottle! Simply fill with tap water and freeze for a few hours before bed.
Recognising the Signs of Overheating
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are serious conditions that require immediate attention, so it's essential to be aware of the signs of overheating. If you have vulnerable friends or family members who live alone, make sure you check in on them regularly. Look out for symptoms such as dizziness, rapid heartbeat, confusion, dry skin, or difficulty breathing. If you suspect heat exhaustion, stay calm and take the following steps to cool them down:
- Find a cool place for them to rest.
- Encourage them to drink plenty of fluids.
- Cool their skin using cool water and fans.
- If there is no improvement within 30 minutes, seek medical advice by calling 111.
As the summer season brings hotter temperatures, it's important to take proactive measures to stay cool and protect yourself and your loved ones from heat-related risks. By following these tips and tricks, we can enjoy the summer while keeping cool, comfortable and healthy. From the Right at Home Grantham, Newark, Melton and Oakham team, stay cool, stay hydrated, and enjoy the summer season!
