Heatwave advice: How to keep your loved one with dementia safe and well

Health & wellbeing

A heatwave can be a stressful time if you’re caring for an older loved one.

On top of keeping yourself well, you’ll need to be on the lookout for signs that your loved one is managing in extreme heat. Those living with dementia may need extra support to keep hydrated and cool.

At Care UK, our teams are trained to support older people living with dementia to keep safe and well in the heat. We’re here to help, so take a look at the information below to understand more about keeping your loved one well in a heatwave, from symptoms of dehydration and heatstroke to one surprising sign to watch out for.

Is your loved one misjudging the temperature?

If you have an older relative, there’s one surprising thing you need to watch out for during a heatwave: the type of clothing that they’re wearing.

Older people often feel colder than those around them due to age‑related changes in circulation and temperature regulation. Because of this, families may not think twice when a loved one reaches for a cardigan or thicker layers – even on very warm days.

But if an older relative puts on a thick jumper or heavy layers in the middle of a heatwave, it could be a sign they’re misjudging temperature – something that can happen if a person has problems with their thyroid gland or could even be an early indicator of dementia.

It is not uncommon for people with memory problems to become confused about the right clothes to wear for the weather and failing to recognise how warm it really is. This can lead to the person reaching for heavier clothing out of habit, which traps heat and can quickly lead to overheating and the risk of dehydration.

Watch for signs of dehydration

An older person living with dementia can be at greater risk of dehydration, as the part of the brain that prompts us to drink when we feel thirsty may not be functioning as well.

This means they may not recognise they are thirsty or be able to communicate that they feel unwell – even in high temperatures. Many older people also take medication for long‑term conditions, which can further increase dehydration risk during a heatwave.

Signs of dehydration:

Increased confusion
Dizziness
Headaches
Skin becoming much drier than usual
Changes in urine, particularly if it becomes darker and has a strong smell

Heatstroke symptoms in older people

During a heatwave, it’s also important for carers to look out for the risks of heatstroke. The symptoms of heatstroke can sometimes be confused for signs of dementia, including:

Sudden confusion or cognitive changes - Heat exhaustion and heatstroke can cause disorientation, lack of coordination and increased confusion, symptoms that can appear very similar to the progression of dementia. However, heatstroke will cause a far more rapid deterioration.
Increased risk of falling - Hot weather and dehydration can cause drops in blood pressure, dizziness or fainting. Heat also causes blood vessels to dilate, which can make people unsteady even if they’ve been drinking fluids.
Shortness of breath or fast breathing - Rapid breathing can be a sign of heat exhaustion. In older adults, this can be subtle and easily mistaken for anxiety or tiredness.
Sweating may increase or stop altogether - Heatstroke can present with hot, dry skin that isn’t sweating, or with excessive sweating earlier on. People with dementia may not recognise they’re overheating or remove layers of clothing, increasing their risk.

These effects can escalate quickly, making it really important for families to be aware of the early signs.

Four ways to reduce risks for older people during hot weather:

Make sure drinks are readily available throughout the home and encourage regular top ups.
Keep living spaces cool by closing curtains during the day and opening windows when temperatures drop.
Avoid going outside in the hottest part of the day, typically 11am-3pm.
Support loved ones to dress appropriately for the heat.

How Care UK can help

At Care UK, we believe it’s important to share our team’s knowledge and experiences to support anyone caring for someone living with dementia. For more information and advice on caring for someone living with dementia, visit Care UK’s dementia help and advice hub.

If you’re looking for more support, we are here to help you find the right care options for your loved one, with personalised plans and compassionate support every step of the way. Find your local Care UK care home to learn more.