With temperatures expected to reach 27 degrees Celsius in some parts of the country today and new status yellow-alert has been made for counties Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Mayo and Galway, homecare providers outline how to help keep older loved ones safe and comfortable.
Dovida Healthcare has provided simple steps to help keep older loved-ones safe:
1. Stay hydrated
Encouraging loved ones to drink regularly throughout the day to avoid dehydration. Similarly, fresh fruit like melon or strawberries can also help- due to high-water content.
2. Keeping cool and comfortable
Close the curtains during the hottest part of the day, opening windows when it’s cooler outside. Turn off appliances to avoid the house from heating up.
3. Dress for the Heat
Wear light, loose-fitting clothing made from breathable fabrics. Avoid heavy layers when keeping skin covered from direct sunlight if going outside.
4. Avoid the hottest part of the day.
Older loved-ones should be encouraged to stay out of direct sunlight, especially between late morning and mid-afternoon when temperatures are at their highest.
5. Watch for signs of over-heating.
Older people can be more vulnerable to heat-related illness, and symptoms may not always be immediately obvious.
What to look out for:
If noticed, help move the person to a cooler place and encourage them to drink fluids.
6. Stay Connected.
Check-in on your loved ones. A visit, phone call or a message can give extra reassurance and support to help order people stay safe and comfortable- especially during periods of intense heat.
Aisling Cooke, a National Caregiver and Training Manager at Dovida stated:
“During these hot spells, many of us look forward to taking advantage of the longer days by spending some quality time outdoors. However, for our older loved ones, high temperatures can pose significant challenges, so it’s especially important to be mindful of their needs.”
Today will be another hot and dry day. Temperatures will reach highs of 24 to 29 degrees in Munster and Connacht and 20 to 24 degrees in Leinster and Ulster.
Met Éireann have warned of heat stress, uncomfortable sleeping conditions, the possibility of forest fires and drought.
Uisce Éireann have also warned that localised hose-pipe bans are becoming “increasingly likely” due to the continuing high temperatures.
Stephen Burke, The Operation Manager for Uisce Éireann, told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland:
“We have been working in the background to prepare for a hose-pipe ban.”
“It is a legal process, and there are certain steps that we have to go through, and we need to get approval from various state bodies. But we absolutely are preparing for that.”
“We would always endeavour to provide alternative water supplies to areas where we know there might be an issue with an enduring or a continuous supply of drinking water.”
Alan O’Reilly from Carlow Weather shared that the weather will continue at high temperatures stating:
“There is no end in sight”
