Awareness and First Aid
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In the summer months, heat hits harder, lasts longer, and affects older adults far more than many people realise.
Caring for an elderly loved one, especially someone with dementia, means you play a key role in keeping them safe and comfortable. Here’s what to watch for and when to get medical help.
Why seniors struggle more in the heat
As we get older, our ability to control body temperature changes. Dash Pillay, an Emergency Care Practitioner (ECP) at ER24 Pietermaritzburg, says seniors overheat faster, cool down slower, and are more susceptible to dehydration than younger people. Yet many older adults limit their water intake on purpose, he adds. “They drink less because they want to avoid frequent urination. Unfortunately, that puts them at far greater risk of dehydration.”
Reminding an elderly parent or grandparent to drink water isn’t overprotective; it’s essential. Unless medically restricted, seniors should ideally drink up to two litres of water a day. Electrolyte drinks help in moderation but shouldn’t replace water.
Early warning signs you should never ignore
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke don’t always look dramatic at first. You might notice a flushed face or unusual tiredness. “Confusion is one of the biggest red flags. The moment you see sudden behavioural changes, take it seriously,” warns Pillay.
Other symptoms include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Fast heart rate
- Weakness.
If the person appears confused at any stage, treat it as urgent.
Dehydration looks different in older adults
An older person might not seem thirsty, but you should still encourage them to drink water regularly. Watch out for these signs of dehydration:
- Dry mouth, cracked lips
- Dark, strong-smelling urine
- Less frequent urination
- Sunken eyes
- Fatigue, dizziness, or irritability
- Muscle or stomach cramps.
Conditions and medications that increase risk
Chronic illnesses like kidney disease, heart failure, diabetes, and dementia heighten heat sensitivity. Diuretics, sometimes referred to as “water tablets”, accelerate fluid loss, and many other medicines can worsen dehydration. “If your loved one is on chronic medication, you need to monitor them more often during heatwaves,” Pillay advises.
How to prevent heat-related emergencies
Simple changes matter: “Good ventilation and hydration aren’t small things – they actively prevent emergencies,” says Pillay.
Environment and routine make a real difference in older people. You can:
- Encourage them to sit out of the direct sun
- Use fans or air conditioning to keep the temperature down
- Offer water regularly
- Ensure their clothing isn’t too tight.
What to do if an older adult starts overheating
Move them to a cool space immediately. Use fans or air conditioning, loosen clothing, and help them sip water. A light mist of water on the skin, followed by gentle fanning, helps mimic sweating.
“If they start vomiting, become confused, or their level of consciousness drops, call ER24 for real help, real fast,” Pillay adds. You should also call for emergency help if:
- Their skin is hot, red, and dry
- They stop sweating
- Their breathing becomes fast
- They faint or show sudden confusion.
“These are classic heatstroke signs,” Pillay says. “Heatstroke isn’t something you wait out – it needs immediate medical care.”