With weather forecasts predicting temperatures to rise to as high as 40°C in the next week, thousands of older adults are at serious risk, and families are urged to act. Lilian Faithfull Care, a charity with over 75 years’ experience in providing care, is warning that even moderate heat can have deadly consequences for older people, especially those over 75.
Lilian Faithfull Care is launching “8 glass rule”, a campaign urging families to help older relatives drink at least eight glasses (1.2 litres) of water daily during extreme hot weather.
Over the summer of 2024, there were 1,311 heat related deaths recorded with those aged 85+ and 75 – 84 year olds most affected, even during yellow alerts. “With simple measures, most dehydration is entirely preventable,” says Suzanne Booker, Director of Care, at Lilian Faithfull Care. “But without support, older people often don’t drink enough, they underestimate how much they need.”
Why families need to step in
It is natural for older adults to experience lower thirst, and they may not feel as though they need to drink as frequently. Older adults may be on medications that affect hydration or suffer from a disease that may change thirst perception, like dementia for example. The experts from Lilian Faithfull Care advocate a “little and often” approach for keeping hydrated. They encourage the elderly to regularly drink small glasses of water, herbal teas, and to eat hydrating snacks like melon and cucumber throughout the day, to maintain fluid intake.
Free printable hydration tracker
To assist, the charity has created a downloadable 8 glass hydration tracker, a fridge‑friendly guide that allows elderly men and women to tick off each glass daily.
Included in the tracker:
Checkboxes for each glass drank
Dehydration symptoms to watch out for (confusion, dark urine, dizziness)
Hydrating food suggestions
“It’s about gentle reminders, not nagging,” adds Suzanne Booker, Director of Care at Lilian Faithfull Care. “A simple tick on a chart gives dignity, keeps health visible and could help keep someone out of hospital.”
How else can families help
Five extra tips families can do to help elderly relatives:
Provide easy access to water
Ensure that water is readily available by placing water bottles or cups within easy reach, especially beside their favourite chair or on their bedside table, to encourage sipping throughout the day.
Create a cool environment
Ensure that their living space is cool by using fans, air conditioning, or keeping blinds closed during the hottest part of the day.
Limit caffeine and alcohol
Remind elderly relatives to limit drinks like coffee, tea, or alcohol, as these can increase dehydration. Instead, promote non-caffeinated, hydrating drinks like herbal teas, coconut water, or diluted fruit juices.
Encourage rest
Overexertion can increase the risk of dehydration. Encourage your elderly relative to rest in a comfortable, cool environment and avoid strenuous activities.
Check on them frequently
Check in on your elderly relatives, especially if they live alone, whether it’s dropping in or making a quick phone call. Offering a quick reminder to drink water and ensuring they’re not experiencing any heat-related issues is crucial.
Story Credits: Lililan Faithfull Care
