Keeping a Person With Dementia Safe in Hot Weather
Understanding the Challenge
Memory problems mean someone with dementia can easily forget to drink enough water. What’s more, the part of the brain that recognises they’re dehydrated and sends a message to let them know they’re thirsty doesn’t always work properly.
If you’re caring for a loved one living with dementia, here are some ways you can help them keep safe when the temperatures rise.
Keeping Hydrated
Due to communication difficulties a person with dementia may not be able to explain that they are dehydrated or feeling unwell because of the heat. It may also be harder for families to monitor for signs of heatstroke and dehydration and remind the person with dementia of the importance of drinking.
Making Drinking Easier
- Leaving beakers or jugs of water within easy reach is especially important for people with limited mobility, who aren’t able to get up and make themselves a drink
- Have a clear beaker so the person can see what’s inside (this may not work so well with water) or a brightly coloured cup to draw attention
- Make sure the beaker is within the line of sight
- Have a beaker that is suitable (not too heavy or an odd shape) or with a lid
- Straws might also be a good idea
Alternatives & Hydrating Foods
- Alcohol-free drinks & mocktails are extremely good alternatives if you enjoy sitting outside or have family or friends coming round to visit
- Freeze slices of lemon, lime or orange & use instead of ice-cubes in cold drinks
- Have fluid-rich foods on-hand such as watermelon & grapes to keep hydration levels topped up
- Keep ice lollies, jellies, ice-cream & fruit readily available
- Consider buying “water sweets” such as Jelly Drops to aid hydration – especially if someone is reluctant to drink liquids
Setting Reminders
- Leave prompts and reminders to make sure the person with dementia remembers to drink regularly
- Put up notices around the house
- Set up a phone reminder or set an alarm clock
- If you are living apart from a relative, consider using technology, such as alerts on smart devices, which can remind a person that they need to drink throughout the day
Medication & Hydration
Some medication can be affected by a person’s dehydration and this may lead to a drop in blood pressure. This can lead to falls or fainting. You can avoid this by:
- Keeping track of when the person with dementia takes their medication
- Sticking to the same schedule every day
- Ensuring the medication is taken with water
Staying Cool with Appropriate Clothing
Sometimes a person with dementia may get confused with what clothing to wear during the heat. They may wear fleeces, thick coats or jackets instead of cool and loose-fitting clothing.
Solutions:
- Look at buying a similar style of clothing made out of a much thinner natural fabric
- If you live with the person, put out a clean set of cool clothing every day in the morning so they know what to wear
- Try keeping wet flannels in plastic food bags in the fridge, freezer or a cool bag if you’re out & about that can be put on the back of a person’s neck
Keep the House as Cool as Possible
- Check that the central heating isn’t on
- Invest in some fans if necessary
- Keep the curtains or blinds closed during the day – especially in sunny, south-facing rooms – to help keep things cool
- Use blackout and thermal curtains
- In the evening, open the windows to let the warm air out and colder air in
Avoid the Midday Sun
We’re all advised to stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day (between 11am and 3pm), and this is even more important for people with dementia.
When out and about:
- Seek out plenty of shade
- Keep a bottle of sunscreen handy
- Make sure it’s reapplied regularly
Find Ways to Cool Off
If someone with dementia is hot and agitated:
- Help them take a cool bath or shower
- Place a washcloth and some iced water nearby, so they can dab themselves when they need to
- Try putting a frozen bottle of water or ice pack next to a fan for some DIY air-conditioning
- Run cold water & rinse hands & wrists under the running water
- Put feet & ankles into a bowl for quick relief of the heat on pressure points
Caring for Someone Near or at a Distance
If you know a family living with dementia, you can contact them and ask if there is anything they need to keep cool in the heat. They may be unable to visit supermarkets for items to cool down.
For someone living far away:
- Try and arrange for friends, neighbours or relatives to provide extra checks on them
- They might also be willing to do supply runs for items like fans and light-coloured curtains to reflect the heat
- These items can help people with dementia and the wider family keep cool throughout the day, reducing the risk of overheating and sweating
Sources: Alzheimer’s Society & Dementia UK June 2026
