Heatwave plan for the elderly: practical advice to protect your loved ones from the extreme heat this summer
Every summer, France experiences heat waves known as canticles . These periods are particularly dangerous for seniors , who are more vulnerable to extreme temperatures. Your vigilance, as a family member, caregiver, or professional in a nursing home, is essential. The goal is to prevent risks and ensure the safety of your residents or relatives living at home. This article guides you step by step in implementing a heat wave plan for seniors , with practical and tailored advice.
Understanding the risks of heatwaves for older people
Specific hazards
A heatwave episode is characterized by high temperatures that can reach 35°C during the day and 20°C at night, for several days in a row.
Without preventative measures, an elderly person exposed to these heat waves can suffer from intense fatigue, dehydration , heatstroke, or hyperthermia . In the most severe cases, death can occur. In France, the summer of 2003 sadly illustrates this reality, with excess mortality of nearly 19,000 deaths. was recorded during the heatwave, and the vast majority were seniors.
Since then, prevention and collective vigilance have become public health priorities. Implementing a heatwave plan for the elderly is therefore essential to anticipate the effects of extreme heat.
Why are seniors vulnerable?
With age, the body undergoes major physiological changes . One of the most significant is the progressive decline in its ability to retain water. In an infant, body water represents 75% of their weight. In an elderly person, this percentage drops to nearly 50% .
At the same time, the sensation of thirst diminishes. Some seniors don't think to drink spontaneously. Their thermoregulation system also often becomes less efficient. Perspiration , an essential element for the body, then becomes insufficient.
Finally, some treatments further aggravate this fluid loss . This is particularly the case with diuretics , laxatives , or certain medications for diabetes or hypertension .
During periods of intense heat, these various factors combined increase the risk of severe dehydration . But with a good heatwave plan for seniors, you can better manage these situations and effectively help your loved ones.
Adapting to the environment to minimize the impact of heat
How to effectively cool the interior during a heatwave
Close shutters, curtains, and blinds on sun-facing windows first thing in the morning. This blocks a significant amount of the outside heat, helping to maintain comfortable indoor conditions and better protect the elderly person.
Ventilate at night as soon as the air cools down. Opening windows creates air currents between rooms and removes the heat accumulated during the day. It's a simple but very effective action.
Check the thermal insulation of the home or care facility . Good insulation limits the penetration of outside heat. This provides real thermal comfort during these critical times.
Use air conditioning sparingly to avoid further compromising the health of older adults. Above all, avoid sudden temperature changes, which can cause discomfort. If air conditioning is unavailable, opt for a fan , damp cloths , a spray bottle , or apply moist compresses to the skin.
Framing contact with the external environment
Limit outings for seniors to the bare minimum during periods of extreme heat. Above all, do not send them outside between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. This is when the sun is at its strongest. It is best to schedule walks early in the morning or in the evening, when the weather is cooler.
Choose appropriate clothing for unavoidable outings: loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored garments, ideally white. Don't forget hats or caps, essential for head protection. To prevent sunburn, recommend long-sleeved clothing, provided the fabric is lightweight and breathable.
Ensure adequate hydration and a suitable diet
Drinking regularly: a vital step
You should encourage seniors to drink throughout the day , even if they don't feel thirsty. Ideally, ensure they drink between 1.6 and 2 liters of water per day.
Strictly limit your intake of alcoholic , sugary , or caffeinated beverages. These contribute to dehydration instead of preventing it.
Reorganize your diet
During periods of intense heat, the sensation of hunger may decrease in some older adults. However, it is essential that they maintain a regular and balanced diet to stay healthy. Include more fresh, water-rich fruits and vegetables in their diet to maintain adequate hydration.
Adopting good health habits in the face of the heatwave
Preventing the risks of dehydration and heatstroke
Pay attention to recognize the first warning signs: persistent headaches , sudden dizziness, unusual fatigue , confusion, hot and dry skin .
Faced with these signals, or if in doubt, react quickly:
- Place the person in a cool place.
- Suggest that he/she drink slowly, in small sips.
- Contact emergency services immediately if the situation persists.
Re-evaluate certain drug treatments
During this warm period, it is essential to review your senior's medications with their doctor or the medical staff at the care home. A temporary adjustment or closer monitoring may be necessary. As mentioned above, diuretics, laxatives, blood pressure medications, and antidiabetic treatments are... treatments that accelerate losses water .
How to adapt your daily routine to cope with the heat?
Reduce physical exertion
During this sensitive period, limit physical activity for seniors as much as possible between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. As with outings, if a task is necessary, prioritize early morning or evening. Also, encourage regular breaks. Rest is essential to prevent heat exhaustion.
Focus on social support and monitoring
During a heatwave, daily vigilance must be increased . Make more frequent calls or visits. For isolated elderly people, telecare is an invaluable resource. This system allows them to quickly alert emergency services if needed.
Having an emergency plan in case of an extreme heatwave
Prepare a first aid kit
A well-designed kit allows for an effective response. It should contain:
- Bottles of drinking water
- A misting system
- Refreshing wipes
- A thermometer
- Emergency numbers clearly visible and accessible (doctor, fire department, nursing home, ambulance service, relatives)
Define emergency procedures
Establish a protocol to follow as soon as the first serious signs of dehydration appear. This heatwave plan for seniors should include specific steps as mentioned above:
- The person should be moved immediately to a cool place.
- Gradual rehydration
- Systematic call to emergency health services
All stakeholders must be aware of this protocol: family, nursing home staff, home care professionals.
We would like to remind everyone that these measures do not only concern the elderly. They apply to everyone, children and adults alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to refresh an elderly person?
Use a spray bottle, damp wipes, or offer regular lukewarm showers. Close shutters and curtains during the hottest hours to limit the temperature increase.
What temperature is too hot for elderly people?
Above 30°C, it can become dangerous, especially if the heat persists at night without any possibility of cooling down. In these conditions, closely monitor for signs of illness.
What is the ideal temperature for an elderly person?
For optimal comfort and safety, ensure that the thermostat displays between 22 and 25 °C.
Conclusion
Heat waves pose a real danger to the elderly. As a caregiver, family member, or healthcare professional, your role remains essential. By diligently following the advice detailed in this article, you can ensure the comfort of your vulnerable loved ones or the residents in your care. Well-organized prevention, careful monitoring, and a rapid response to any warning signs are the cornerstones of a successful heat wave plan.
Bibliography
National Institute on Aging. (nd). Hot weather safety for older adults .
Health Passport Hyperthermia: symptoms and emergency treatments. (2025, May 22).
