Community Health and Care News


Posted: Friday 8 January 2010


Surviving extreme heat 

With extreme hot weather hitting Adelaide later this week, older people and those with dementia are especially vulnerable and some will need daily reminders to protect themselves and survive, according to nurses from the Royal District Nursing Service SA.


RDNS spokesperson, Dr Debbie Kralik said RDNS & FOCUS Healthcare nurses together make more than 3000 visits per day across Adelaide’s suburbs, giving them an excellent opportunity to monitor how older people are coping as they struggle with extreme heat.


"It is crucial during extreme heat for family, friends and neighbours to rally around the vulnerable in the community, including older people or those with dementia," Dr Kralik said.


RDNS nurses on home visits during extreme heat have found:


  • An older man with his air-conditioner on, but accidentally switched to 'heat'
  • Older women wearing cardigans or jumpers
  • Food left out in the kitchen which needs refrigeration
  • People with dementia not eating or drinking.

“Our nurses and RDNS health care and domestic workers will be extra vigilant this week to recognise any signs of heat and post-heat stress,” Dr Kralik said. “Heat may worsen the condition of someone who already has a medical condition such as heart disease.


"Older people are more likely to have a chronic health condition and to be taking medication that may interfere with the body‟s ability to regulate temperature. Prevention is the best way to manage heat-related illness".


"If you have an older person in your street please look out for them – if possible call in and see if they are dressed appropriately, if cool water is in reach and if their air-conditioner is running."


Signs of heat stress include confusion, headaches, fever, and excessive thirst, loss of appetite, vomiting, weakness, lethargy and dark coloured urine.