Information for carers - heatwave
Extreme heat can cause serious health problems, especially for people who are at greater risk of heat-related health impacts.
If you care for, support or assist people at greater risk of being impacted by extreme heat, it is important to know what to do and when to visit a healthcare provider if necessary.
A suite of community resources and translated information is available and can be downloaded as fact sheets.
How to help someone prepare for a heatwave
- Make sure that extra care and support is available. Ensure the person has contact details for their healthcare provider and care workers, as well as family, friends and neighbours who can provide support. Make sure to also have a copy of these details.
- Ensure the person knows who and when to call for help.
- Make sure they have a care plan. If they do not have a care plan, help them arrange one with their healthcare provider.
- Check that their care plan includes information on:
- fluid intake (especially if the person is on a fluid restriction), and
- a list of their medication (some medications may need to be altered due to heatwave conditions).
- Prepare a cool room for them to go to during a heatwave. Some tips include:
- having air-conditioning or a fan ready to use. If they are using an air-conditioner, make sure it is set to ‘cool.’ If they are using a fan, make sure the room has good ventilation
- having indoor and outdoor shading ready to use. For rooms that get a lot of sunlight, add light coloured curtains to assist with keeping the heat out. Avoid dark coloured curtains and metal Venetian blinds as they can make rooms hotter.
- Open windows and doors during cooler parts of the day to help cool their home down, if it is safe to do so.
- Check that their fridge and freezer are working properly.
- Check they have cool packs available to put in the fridge.
- To reduce the need to go out during a heatwave, help the person get organised with food and water before the heatwave arrives.
- Check that they have suitable clothes – light, loose-fitting cotton clothing is best for hot weather.
- Help them arrange a small emergency kit in case of a power outage. This can include a torch, batteries and a first aid kit.
- Make sure the person’s bushfire plan is up to date as bushfires are more common during heatwaves. If they do not have a bushfire plan, help them arrange one. To find out more visit My Bushfire Plan (external site).
How to help someone during a heatwave
- Check that they know who their support contacts are.
- Let their family and friends know the best way to support them.
- Arrange a visit to their healthcare practitioner if you think they are not coping.
- Refer to their care plan and take note of the following information:
- Fluid intake (especially if the person is on fluid restriction), and
- A list of the person’s medication (some medications may need to be altered due to heatwave conditions).
- Encourage them to drink plenty of water and place water in the fridge.
- Get them to check the colour of their urine. If it is pale, they are drinking enough.
- Check that their fridge and freezer are working properly and make sure they have enough food and water for the heatwave period.
- Close windows, curtains, blinds, and shutters in rooms with sun exposure early in the day before the temperature gets hot.
- Encourage them to use air-conditioning and fans on the ‘cool’ setting if available. If they are using a fan, ensure the room has good ventilation.
- Encourage them to spend most of their time in the coolest room of the house.
- Encourage them to open windows and doors during cooler parts of the day to help cool their home down, if it is safe to do so.
- Ensure they use cool packs and wet cloths to keep cool as needed.
- Check that they are wearing suitable clothes – light, loose-fitting cotton clothing is best for hot weather.
- Encourage them to do the day’s tasks early in the morning before the weather gets hot.
- Encourage indoor over outdoor activities.
- Take them to an air-conditioned place like a shopping centre, library or cinema if required.
How to help someone after a heatwave
- Ensure the person remains hydrated and is as healthy as possible.
- Reflect and review on what went well, and what could have been done better. If needed, this can be discussed with the person’s family.
- Note the outcomes and desired improvements in preparation for future heatwaves.
Last reviewed: 12-12-2024
This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Information about a service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace professional advice. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified professional for answers to their questions.