Information for carers - heatwave
Extreme heat can cause serious health problems, especially for people who are at greater risk of heat-related health impacts.
If you care for, support or assist people at greater risk of being impacted by extreme heat, it is important to know what to do and when to visit a GP if necessary.
How to help someone prepare for a heatwave
- Make sure that extra care and support is available.
- Check that the person knows who to call if they need help if you are unable to provide support.
- Check they have contact details for their GP, care workers, carers and others such as family, friends and neighbours that can also provide support. Make sure to also have a copy of these details.
- Make sure they have a care plan, if they do not then help them arrange one with their GP.
- Check that their care plan includes information on:
- Fluid intake (especially if the person is on a fluid restriction), and
- A list of their medication (some medications may need to be altered due to heatwave conditions).
- Check that they have suitable clothes – light, loose-fitting cotton clothing is best for hot weather.
- Check that the fridge, freezer, fan and air-conditioner work properly and that the air-conditioner is set to cool.
- To reduce the need to go out during a heatwave, help the person get organised with food before the hot weather arrives.
- Check they have cool packs available to put in the fridge.
- Help them arrange a small emergency kit in case of a power outage. This can include a torch, batteries and a first aid kit.
- Check that their home or room has good air flow.
- For rooms that get a lot of sunlight, add light coloured curtains to assist with keeping the heat out.
- Avoid dark coloured curtains and metal Venetian blinds as they can make rooms hotter.
- Consider putting external blinds, shutters or shading on windows in rooms with sun exposure.
- Prepare a cool room for them to go to during a heatwave. Some tips include:
- Having indoor and outdoor shading ready to use.
- Ventilating the room during cooler parts of the day (in the late evening and/or early in the morning).
- Having a fan or air-conditioner ready to use.
- Make sure the person’s bushfire plan is up to date as bushfires are more common during heatwaves. If they do not have a bushfire plan, help them arrange one. To find out more visit My Bushfire Plan (external site).
How to help someone during a heatwave
- Encourage them to drink plenty of water and place water in the fridge.
- Get them to check the colour of their urine. If it is pale, they are drinking enough.
- Check that they know who their support contacts are.
- Let their family and friends know the best way to support them.
- Arrange a visit to their GP if you think they are not coping.
- Refer to their care plan and take note of the following information:
- Fluid intake (especially if the person is on fluid restriction), and
- A list of the person’s medication (some medications may need to be altered due to heatwave conditions).
- Make sure they have enough food for the next few days.
- Check that they are wearing suitable clothes – light, loose-fitting cotton clothing is best for hot weather.
- Ensure they use cool packs and wet cloths to keep cool as needed.
- Take them to an air-conditioned place like a shopping centre, library or cinema if required.
- Encourage them to do the day’s tasks early in the morning before the weather gets hot.
- Encourage indoor over outdoor activities.
- Check that the fridge, freezer, fan and air-conditioner work properly and that the air-conditioner is set to cool.
- Close windows, curtains, blinds and shutters in rooms with sun exposure early in the day before the weather gets hot.
- Ensure they ventilate their room or home as soon as the temperature outside drops (in the late evening and/or early in the morning).
- Encourage them to spend most of their time in the coolest room of the house during extreme heat.
How to help someone after a heatwave
- Ensure the person remains hydrated and is as healthy as possible.
- Reflect and review on what went well, and what could have been done better. If needed, this can be discussed with the person’s family.
- Note the outcomes and desired improvements in preparation for future heatwaves.
Last reviewed: 18-11-2022
Acknowledgements
Public Health
This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Information about a service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace professional advice. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified professional for answers to their questions.