Advice for Carers During Hot Weather

Stay Safe in the Heat: Advice for Carers During Hot Weather

With the current heatwave continuing in Surrey, it’s important to take extra care—especially if you or someone you support is older, very young, disabled, vulnerable, or living with a long-term health condition.

As a carer, you may be so focused on the person you support that you forget to look after yourself too. Your wellbeing matters too.

🌡️ Top Tips to Stay Cool and Well

• Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water, even if you’re not thirsty.

• Keep cool indoors – Close curtains during the day and open windows at night.

• Avoid peak heat hours – Stay out of direct sun between 11am–3pm.

• Dress for the heat – Wear light, loose-fitting clothes and a wide-brimmed hat outside.

• Eat lighter meals – Salads and fruit help with hydration.

• Cool down regularly – Use a fan, damp cloth on your neck, or try a foot soak.

• Check in on others – Especially neighbours or relatives living alone.

If you’re feeling unwell or overwhelmed, don’t push through—help is available.

Things you can do to cool someone down you care for

If someone has heat exhaustion, follow these 4 steps:

1. Move them to a cool place.
2. Remove all unnecessary clothing like a jacket or socks.
3. Get them to drink a sports or rehydration drink, or cool water.
4. Cool their skin – spray or sponge them with cool water and fan them. Cold packs, wrapped in a cloth and put under the armpits or on the neck are good too.

Stay with them until they’re better.

They should start to cool down and feel better within 30 minutes.