When we’re trying to keep ourselves cool it’s easy to forget that some of us are more vulnerable than others in extreme weather conditions.
Older people and those with underlying medical conditions may find the heat impacts their health and well-being considerably. People living in care homes, the homeless, those who are unable to care for themselves or those who require support in their daily activities are at higher risk of becoming unwell.
High-risk groups include:
- older people aged over 65 years
- people with underlying health conditions, particularly heart problems, breathing problems, dementia, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease or mobility problems
- pregnant women
- people on certain medications
- people with serious mental health problem
- people who are already ill and dehydrated (for example from diarrhoea and vomiting)
- people with alcohol or drug dependence
- people experiencing homelessness, including rough sleepers and those who are unable to make adaptations to their living accommodation such as sofa surfers or those living in hostels
- people who live alone and may be unable to care for themselves
Use the resources below to help care for the more vulnerable:
Alzheimer’s: Alzheimer’s Society warns of the effect of hot weather on people living with dementia | Alzheimer’s Society
Homelessness: How can I help someone sleeping rough in hot weather? | Homeless Link
Pregnancy: Hot weather and high body temperature during pregnancy | NCT
Parkinson’s: Keeping cool this summer | Parkinson’s UK
Mental Health: Mental health medications and extreme weather – GOV.UK
