The Irish summer has always had a habit of surprising us. Most years we joke that if the sun appears, we’d better make the most of it because it probably won’t last. This July has been rather different. With temperatures staying higher for longer than we’re used to, many families are finding that the warm weather brings more than sunshine. It brings new routines, extra worries and a little more planning for those looking after older parents, relatives with additional needs, or loved ones recovering from illness.
Met Éireann and the HSE have both encouraged people to take extra care during the current hot spell, particularly older adults, people living with dementia, those with long-term health conditions and anyone who may be more affected by the heat. For family carers, it also means remembering that they, too, need looking after. Sometimes the smallest adjustments at home can make the days a little easier for everyone.
Why can hot weather be harder for older people?
Warm weather affects everyone differently, but older people, those living with dementia, people with long-term health conditions and some people with disabilities often find it harder to regulate body temperature or recognise when they’re becoming thirsty. Certain medications can also increase the risk of dehydration, making regular drinks and cooler surroundings even more important.
Families are often the first to notice the subtle changes. A parent who usually enjoys tending the garden now prefers to stay indoors. Someone who never forgets their afternoon cup of tea hasn’t had much to drink all day. The house feels unusually warm because the windows have stayed closed, or an elderly relative seems more tired than usual after doing very little.
None of these observations necessarily mean something is wrong, but together they can be gentle reminders to slow the pace, check in a little more often and make sure the basics—fluids, shade and rest—are being looked after.
Helping someone stay comfortable at home
Irish homes are designed to keep warmth in through the winter, so they can become surprisingly warm during a prolonged spell of sunshine. A few simple adjustments can make a noticeable difference without turning everyday life upside down.
Closing blinds or curtains on windows that receive direct afternoon sun helps keep rooms cooler, while opening windows later in the evening or early morning lets cooler air circulate once temperatures begin to drop outside. Many people naturally gravitate towards the coolest room in the house during the middle of the day, and light cotton clothing, cool showers or a damp face cloth can all help someone feel more comfortable.
It’s also worth thinking about how much unnecessary heat is being created indoors. Using the oven less often, turning off appliances that aren’t needed and preparing lighter meals can all help keep the house cooler. A jug of chilled water left on the kitchen table, a bottle within easy reach of a favourite chair or a reminder to have another drink whenever the kettle goes on are simple habits that often work better than constantly asking someone if they’re thirsty.
When someone is living alone
For people living alone, the hot weather can sometimes pass almost unnoticed until someone else calls by. A regular phone call or a quick visit can offer quiet reassurance without feeling intrusive.
You might notice the house feels unusually warm because the windows haven’t been opened, yesterday’s newspaper is still on the doorstep, or the kettle hasn’t been used all morning. Meals may not have been prepared, or there may be little evidence that someone has been drinking enough throughout the day. These are small observations rather than causes for alarm, but they can help families recognise when an older relative or neighbour might appreciate a little practical help.
Often it’s the ordinary conversations that matter most. Asking whether they’ve had lunch, offering to pick up a few groceries or simply sitting down for a cup of tea together can make the day feel less isolated.
How can homecare help during a heatwave?
Periods of unusually warm weather often make everyday jobs more tiring. Shopping, preparing meals, collecting prescriptions or moving around the house can take more energy than usual, particularly for older people or anyone recovering from illness.
This is where homecare services in Ireland can quietly make life easier. A homecare professional can encourage regular drinks, prepare light meals, collect shopping or prescriptions, notice changes that family members might otherwise miss, and check that the home remains reasonably cool and comfortable throughout the day.
For families who don’t live nearby, regular visits can also provide reassurance that someone is checking in and helping with the practical things that become more difficult during hot weather. Sometimes that extra support is only needed for a short period while temperatures remain high.
Looking after family carers too
When you’re caring for someone else, it’s remarkably easy to forget that the heat affects you as well. Many family carers spend their day making sure everyone else has had enough to drink, while their own glass of water sits untouched on the kitchen counter.
The extra physical effort of helping someone move around, shopping in warmer weather or travelling to appointments can leave carers feeling far more tired than they expect. Yet many simply carry on because that’s what they’ve always done.
If someone offers to sit with your loved one for an hour, it may be worth accepting. Use the time to drink plenty of water yourself, sit somewhere cool for a while, or take a short walk early in the morning before the day becomes too warm. Even a few quiet minutes can make the rest of the day feel more manageable.
Looking out for neighbours and friends
One of the things Ireland has always done well is looking out for one another, and hot weather is another reminder of how much those small gestures matter.
A phone call to an older neighbour, collecting milk while you’re doing your own shopping, dropping off a light meal or checking whether someone needs a prescription collected can all make life a little easier. Many people are reluctant to ask for help, but they’re often grateful when it’s offered naturally and without fuss.
Communities rarely solve problems through grand gestures. More often, it’s the ordinary kindness of neighbours keeping an eye on one another that makes the greatest difference.
While the hot weather continues
The current spell of warm weather will eventually pass, but while it’s here it’s worth taking a little extra time to look after those who may find it harder to cope. Keeping hydrated, making homes as cool as possible, checking in on older relatives or neighbours, and accepting help when it’s offered are all simple things that can make everyday life more comfortable.
The HSE has published practical guidance on staying safe during periods of hot weather (HSE – Hot Weather Advice), while Met Éireann continues to provide updates and weather information as the warm spell continues. (Met Éireann – Weather Updates on Hot Spell)
Kare Plus Ireland supports older people, people with long-term health conditions and family carers with homecare that helps people remain safe and comfortable in their own homes. For families who are worried about how a loved one is coping in the heat, even a small amount of extra support can make the week feel more manageable.