Summer safety tips for people with dementia

We recently blogged about our advice for keeping cool in the summer, but what if you’re out and about in the heat with a person with dementia? We’ve got more helpful tips for staying safe in the sunshine:

Keep hydrated 

This is important whatever age you are. In the heat everyone needs to take regular sips of water or have a big drink every so often. It’s also important to remind people with dementia about this as they might often forget and not realise they are thirsty.

It’s also a good idea to try fruity, alcohol-free cocktails or water rich fruits such as melons or cucumber.

Dressing for hot weather 

For someone with dementia, making the decision on what to wear can be a difficult one. Ensure winter clothes are out of site and that the person only has summer options to choose from. Don’t forget a hat too!

Avoid too much sun 

We all know a bit of sunshine is good for you and your Vitamin D levels, but too much can be damaging. A person with dementia may not remember to limit their exposure to the sun, so it’s important to remind them to sit in the shade and apply sun cream regularly. You could encourage any sunbathing to take place in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the hottest part of the day.