A care home has released its top tips for making sure older people avoid dehydration in the hot weather.

A heatwave has hit Enfield this week, with temperatures reaching 32 degrees on Tuesday, and Elizabeth Lodge, in Pennington Drive, has urged people to look out for older friends, relatives and neighbours who might be suffering as a result.

Jason Axford, a manager at Care UK which runs Elizabeth Lodge, said: “While many people look forward to the summer months, it is important to remember not everyone enjoys the hot weather.  For some people high temperatures can be incredibly dangerous, triggering breathing problems, heat exhaustion and dehydration.

“Ageing and conditions such as dementia also affect the body’s ability to feel thirst, so some people may well forget to drink, while others may also avoid fluids later in the day so they do not have to get up in the night. 

“It is vital to help loved ones and older people in our local communities to get plenty of fluids – especially during a prolonged hot spell.”

The tips are:

  • Make drinks look as appealing as possible – Create interest with different smells, colours and flavours
  • Make an occasion of a drink – Share a tea break or invite a neighbour round for afternoon drinks to make fluid consumption part of a social activity
  • Offer a variety of drinks – Water is important, but milk, tea, coffee and fruit juice all count
  • Serve a drink with every meal or snack – If your loved one has a favourite cup or glass, use it as often as you can
  • Use a clear glass – Being able to see what’s inside the glass can help
  • Always monitor the amount of fluid – Use a jug that has a measure down the side, or a bottle with a measure to monitor the levels of fluid consumed
  • Serve foods that are high in fluid – Fruit, ice cream, vegetables, gravy and jelly are all great hydrating foods
  • Stay cool in the sun – On a hot day, freeze drinks or yoghurts onto sticks using moulds for healthy ice lollies.
  • Try a Horlicks or hot chocolate – Even in hot weather these drinks are great for hydrating, and also contain high levels of carbohydrates for an energy boost
  • Sit with the person – Remind your loved to drink during their meal