Every summer, heat causes more deaths in Australia than any other natural hazard, and older adults carry most of that risk. The body’s ability to sense thirst and regulate temperature declines with age, and common medications such as diuretics, blood pressure tablets and some antidepressants make it worse. The good news is that almost every heat-related emergency is preventable with a few habits.

Know the risk days

Victoria issues heat health alerts through the Department of Health when forecast temperatures reach dangerous levels. Sign up for alerts, or ask a family member or support worker to watch for them. On alert days, plan the day around the heat: errands early, rest in the afternoon, and no gardening between 11am and 4pm.

Hydration without nagging

Older people often drink less because they do not feel thirsty or because they worry about getting to the toilet. Strategies that work:

Keep a jug of water within reach of the usual chair, not in the kitchen.
Offer watery foods: watermelon, cucumber, soups, congee and jelly all count.
Use a marked bottle so it is easy to see how much has been drunk by lunchtime.
Limit alcohol and very sweet drinks, which increase fluid loss.

If someone has been told to restrict fluids for heart or kidney reasons, ask their doctor what the limit should be on hot days.

Keeping the house cool

Close blinds and curtains on the sunny side of the house before the heat arrives, not after.
Use a fan together with a damp cloth on the neck. Fans alone stop helping above about 37 degrees.
If there is no air conditioning, spend the hottest hours somewhere that has it: a library, shopping centre or a friend’s home.
Check that any air conditioner has been serviced before the first hot week.

Watch for warning signs

Heat exhaustion shows as heavy sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea and cramps. Heat stroke is a medical emergency: confusion, hot dry skin, a fast pulse or collapse. Call 000 immediately and cool the person with water and fans while waiting.

The holiday period

Between Christmas and late January, regular routines break down. Family goes away, day programs pause and pharmacies change their hours. Before the break:

Fill prescriptions for the full period.
Write down who is checking in on which day.
Confirm whether your care provider runs a reduced roster. Avida Care operates through the holidays and will tell you in advance if any visit changes.

We are here through the summer

If you are worried about a parent living alone during a heatwave, an extra welfare visit can make all the difference. Call 0477 399 714 or 0421 986 841, or contact us, and we will arrange it.

Summer Safety for Seniors: Heat, Hydration and Holiday Tips