The forecast says it will hit the high 90s all week. Your father keeps the air conditioning off to save money, says he's fine, and doesn't drink much water. You live an hour away and wonder whether you're overreacting.
You're not. Heat is one of the most dangerous weather hazards for older adults. Here's how to protect an aging parent during hot weather.
Why heat is riskier with age
As we age, the body adjusts less well to sudden changes in temperature1. Older adults sweat less and may not feel thirsty even when they need fluids. Chronic conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease and diabetes make it harder to handle heat1. Some medicines, including some for blood pressure, heart conditions, depression and bladder control, can affect how the body controls temperature or how much a person sweats1.
People with dementia may not recognize that they're too hot, may dress too warmly, or may not remember to drink. People who live alone, have limited mobility or can't afford cooling are also at higher risk4.
Warning signs of heat illness
| Heat exhaustion | Heat stroke | |
|---|---|---|
| Skin | Cool, pale, clammy, heavy sweating | Hot, red, dry or damp |
| Other signs | Weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, muscle cramps, fast weak pulse | High body temperature, confusion, fast strong pulse, fainting |
| What to do | Move to a cool place, loosen clothes, sip water, cool cloths | Call 911 right away; cool the person while waiting |
Heat illness can progress quickly. Heat stroke is the most serious form and can cause lasting damage or death2. In older adults, confusion or a sudden change in behavior may be the first sign you notice. If you're not sure, treat it as an emergency.
What to do in an emergency
If you think your parent has heat stroke, call 911. While you wait, move them to a cooler place, remove extra clothing, and cool them with whatever you have: cool wet cloths, a cool shower or bath, or ice packs on the armpits, neck and groin2. Don't give fluids to someone who is confused or unconscious.
For heat exhaustion, move to a cool place, loosen clothing, apply cool cloths and have your parent sip water. Get medical help if symptoms get worse or last longer than an hour2.
Keeping the home cool
Air conditioning is the best protection against heat illness. Electric fans can help in some situations, but when the temperature is very high, fans may not prevent heat-related illness1. If your parent resists running the air conditioning because of cost, talk about it openly and look into help with energy bills. Some families agree on a set temperature for heat waves.
Keep shades and curtains closed during the day, especially on sunny windows. Avoid using the oven on hot days. If the home has an upper floor that gets hot, your parent may be safer sleeping downstairs during a heat wave. Check that the air conditioner works before summer, and replace filters.
Drinking enough
Encourage your parent to drink water regularly, even if they don't feel thirsty. Keep a water bottle within reach and offer drinks with meals and between them. Fruits like watermelon and soups count too. Limit alcohol and very sugary drinks. If your parent's doctor has limited their fluids because of heart or kidney problems, ask how much they should drink when it's hot1. See dehydration in the elderly for signs to watch for.
Clothing and activity
Light-colored, loose, lightweight clothing helps the body cool. A wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen help outdoors. Plan errands, walks and yard work for early morning or evening, when it's cooler. Take breaks in the shade or indoors. Older adults who garden or do chores in the heat are at real risk, so offer to help or schedule tasks around the forecast.
Medications and heat
Ask the doctor or pharmacist whether any of your parent's medicines increase heat risk, and what to watch for. Diuretics, or water pills, can raise the risk of dehydration. Some medicines for depression, Parkinson's disease and bladder problems can reduce sweating. Don't stop any medicine without talking to the doctor. Store medicines as the label directs, since some can be damaged by heat. Our guide to polypharmacy explains how to review medicines.
Checking in
During a heat wave, check on your parent at least twice a day1. Ask specific questions: What's the temperature inside? Have you had water today? How do you feel? Listen for confusion, slurred speech or unusual tiredness. If you live far away, ask a neighbor, friend or local relative to stop by. See long-distance caregiving for building a local network.
A medical alert system lets your parent call for help quickly if they feel unwell, and some models detect falls.
Cooling centers and getting out
Many cities open cooling centers during heat waves in libraries, community centers and senior centers. Malls and movie theaters are also cool places to spend a few hours. Check your local government website or call 211 to find options. If your parent doesn't drive, arrange a ride or go with them; see transportation for seniors. Your local area agency on aging may also know of summer programs or fan giveaways5.
If your parent has dementia
A parent with dementia may not say they feel hot, may keep wearing a sweater, or may turn off the air conditioning. Set the thermostat and check it often, lay out light clothes, and offer drinks on a schedule. Watch for increased agitation or confusion, which can be signs of overheating or dehydration. Keep them indoors during the hottest hours, and be alert to wandering on hot days; see dementia wandering.
Power outages
Heat waves can strain the power grid. Make a plan for outages: where your parent can go, who will pick them up, and how to keep medicines that need refrigeration. If your parent uses medical equipment that needs electricity, such as oxygen concentrators, tell the electric utility; many keep a list of customers who rely on medical equipment. Keep a charged phone, flashlights and a supply of water at home.
Help with cooling costs
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, helps eligible households with heating and cooling costs, energy crises, and some weatherization3. Each state runs its own program, and some offer summer cooling help. Utility companies may also have senior discounts or payment plans. Ask your local area agency on aging how to apply5.
In assisted living or a nursing home
Ask care communities how they keep residents cool, whether all rooms have air conditioning, and what their backup plan is if the power or cooling fails. Ask how staff monitor residents for heat illness and make sure they drink enough. If you notice a hot room or a resident who seems unwell, raise it right away with the nurse or administrator. If problems aren't fixed, the long-term care ombudsman can help.
A simple heat plan
Before summer, write down a short plan. List the cool places your parent can go, phone numbers for people who will check on them, the signs of heat illness, and what to do in an emergency. Post it on the fridge. Check the air conditioner, stock water, and review medicines with the doctor. When a heat wave is forecast, put the plan into action: daily calls, a set thermostat, and errands moved to cooler hours. A plan makes it easier for everyone to act quickly, even when you are far away.
Watching the forecast
Heat waves are usually forecast days ahead, which gives families time to prepare. CDC's HeatRisk dashboard lets you enter a zip code to see the heat risk forecast and recommended actions for your parent's area1. Air quality matters too: smoke and pollution often rise on hot days and can worsen heart and lung conditions. Set a weather alert on your phone for your parent's town, not just your own, so you know when to step up check-ins.
Remember that heat builds up indoors over several days, especially in older homes, top-floor apartments and mobile homes. The third or fourth day of a heat wave can be more dangerous than the first, even if the outdoor temperature is the same.
Making the home safer for summer
Some changes help year after year. Window air conditioners, insulated curtains, reflective window film and weather stripping can all keep a home cooler. A digital thermometer with a large display helps your parent see the indoor temperature at a glance, and some models send alerts to your phone. If your parent plans to keep living at home, these upgrades fit naturally into broader home modifications for the elderly. Cold weather brings its own risks for older adults; see hypothermia in the elderly.
An example
When a heat wave hit, Rosa's mother, who has heart failure, insisted on keeping the air conditioning off. Rosa called the local area agency on aging, which helped her mother apply for summer cooling help through LIHEAP. Rosa and her mother agreed on a set temperature, a neighbor stopped by each afternoon, and Rosa called each morning and evening. When her mother sounded confused one evening, Rosa called the neighbor, who found her overheated and helped her cool down. This is an illustration; every situation is different.
