When temperatures rise, many of us enjoy spending time outdoors. But for older adults and people living with long-term health conditions, a heatwave can quickly become dangerous.

Emily Heritage, district nurse and palliative care, frailty and dementia lead at community health provider, Your Healthcare, explained: "We often see the effects of hot weather before families and neighbours realise how serious it can be.

"Dehydration, infections, confusion and falls all become more common, and for someone who is already frail, even a few hot days can have a significant impact.

"Offering regular drinks, encouraging small meals, keeping homes cool and recognising early warning signs can prevent hospital admissions and help people stay safe and independent at home. Sometimes, the most important intervention isn't a medical one.

"It's simply knocking on someone's door and asking: 'Have you had a drink today?'."

Why are older people more at risk?

Heritage said: "As we age, our bodies become less efficient at regulating temperature. Older people often don't feel thirsty until they are already dehydrated, and many live with conditions such as heart failure, kidney disease or dementia that increase their risk.

"Some medications can also make people more susceptible to dehydration or heat illness, including diuretics ("water tablets"), laxatives and some blood pressure medications. Those living alone may simply not notice they are becoming unwell until symptoms are severe."

Early signs someone is not coping with the heat

According to the Your Healthcare district and community nursing teams, "Families often tell us, 'They just weren't themselves'."

Signs to look out for in elderly family, friends and neighbours include:

• Feeling unusually tired or sleepy
• Increased confusion or forgetfulness
• Dizziness when standing
• Headaches
• Dry mouth or cracked lips
• Passing small amounts of dark urine
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle cramps
• Becoming unsteady on their feet or having falls.

These can all be early warning signs of dehydration.

It is not just about drinking water

Heritage said: "While fluids are important, eating is just as essential. Many older people lose their appetite during hot weather because they don't feel like cooking or eating large meals."

Your Healthcare district and community nursing teams said, if possible, try to encourage them to eat little and often and suggest:

• Yoghurts
• Fruit such as melon, grapes and strawberries
• Ice lollies
• Jelly
• Smoothies
• Soups served lukewarm if preferred

Foods with a high water content can make a real difference.

How much should someone drink?

According to Your Healthcare district and community nursing teams, most adults should aim for around six to eight drinks (approximately 1.5-2 litres) each day, but they may need more during very hot weather unless they have been advised to restrict fluids by their doctor because of conditions such as heart failure or kidney disease.

Heritage said: "Don't wait until someone says they are thirsty. Offer drinks regularly throughout the day. Water is ideal, but milk, squash, tea and coffee all contribute towards fluid intake."

Keeping the home cool

According to Your Healthcare district and community nursing teams, many vulnerable people become unwell because their homes remain hot long into the evening. Simple measures can help, including:

• Keep curtains or blinds closed on sunny windows during the day.
• Open windows early in the morning or later in the evening when it is cooler.
• Move to the coolest room in the house.
• Use a fan if available.
• A bowl of ice placed in front of a fan can make the air feel cooler.
• Wear loose, light-coloured clothing.
• Use cool damp flannels on the neck, wrists and forehead.

The hidden effects of heat

Your Healthcare district and community nursing teams said: "Hot weather doesn't just cause dehydration."

District and community nursing teams often see:

• More urinary tract infections
• Constipation
• Increased confusion in people living with dementia
• More falls due to dizziness
• Pressure damage developing more quickly because skin becomes fragile and sweaty
• Existing wounds healing more slowly
• Heat exhaustion, which can rapidly progress if untreated

Your Healthcare district and community nursing teams added: "For people receiving palliative care, heat can also worsen symptoms such as fatigue, breathlessness and agitation, making careful treatment of symptoms even more important."

Check in on neighbours and relatives

Your Healthcare district and community nursing teams said: "One of the simplest things you can do during a heatwave is to make regular contact.

"A quick phone call or visit could identify that someone hasn't eaten, has forgotten to drink, or is becoming confused before they become seriously ill."

If someone is still being unwell after 30 minutes of resting in a cool place, being cooled and drinking fluids and has:

• a very high temperature
• hot skin that's not sweating and might look red (this can be harder to see on brown or black skin)
• a fast heartbeat
• fast breathing or shortness of breath
• confusion and lack of coordination
• a seizure or fit
• loss of consciousness

Seek urgent medical advice by calling 999.

Your Healthcare district and community nursing teams said: "Checking in on vulnerable members of our community can make all the difference. It takes five minutes to knock on a door!"

Further information can be found here.