OLDER Australians are being urged to prepare for hot weather, with a reminder that a plan to stay cool and someone to call for help can make a crucial difference when temperatures rise.
National Seniors Australia has highlighted the dangers of extreme heat and encouraged seniors, families and carers to prepare before conditions become uncomfortable or unsafe.
People aged 65 and over are particularly vulnerable because the body becomes less able to regulate its temperature. Conditions including diabetes, dementia, kidney disease and heart disease can increase that risk, according to Queensland Health.
For people living alone, the challenge can be greater, particularly when there is no one nearby to notice they are becoming unwell.
Preparing early means thinking about where to go if the house becomes too hot, how to get there and who can help. National Seniors Australia suggests identifying a cooler public place, such as a library or shopping centre, and arranging transport if needed.
Keeping an eye on Bureau of Meteorology forecasts and heatwave warnings can also give households time to adjust their plans.
At home, the organisation recommends closing blinds and curtains to keep out the sun, wearing light, loose clothing and reducing strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.
Medicines should be stored according to their packaging instructions, while preparations for a power outage should include charged phones, torches and a plan to reach somewhere cooler.
Drinking regularly is also important.
Older people may not feel thirst as reliably, meaning they can need reminders or assistance to keep their fluids up. People on restricted fluids need a plan that follows their individual medical advice.
National Seniors Australia advises people to speak with a health professional before changing their fluid intake or medicines.
Families, friends and neighbours can help by arranging regular check-ins, particularly with someone who lives alone or has difficulty moving around.
A visit can provide an opportunity to check whether the home is cool, drinking water is within reach and the person has what they need.
Recognising the warning signs is equally important. Headache, dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps, thirst and heavy sweating can signal heat-related illness.
Confusion, slurred speech, poor coordination or loss of consciousness may indicate heatstroke, which is a medical emergency.
Call Triple Zero (000) immediately and begin cooling the person while waiting for help. Fluids should only be offered if they are conscious and able to swallow.
The message for seniors and those around them is to act early: make a plan, ask for help when needed and keep checking on one another through periods of hot weather.
