Heat Waves and Healthcare: Protecting Patients (and Yourself) During Extreme Heat

Summer brings longer days and welcome sunshine, but for healthcare workers, especially those in senior care, it also brings new challenges. Heat waves can put vulnerable patients at serious risk and test the stamina of even the most seasoned nurses. When temperatures rise, hydration, safety, and self-care all become critical.

Here are some practical tips to help you protect your patients, your team, and yourself during the hottest weeks of the year.

Why Seniors Are at Higher Risk

Older adults are more susceptible to heat-related illness. Many live with chronic conditions that affect how their bodies regulate temperature, and some medications can interfere with hydration or sweating. In senior care facilities, where residents may not always recognize or communicate their discomfort, nurses play a vital role in prevention.

Keeping Patients Safe in the Heat

1. Hydration First

Encourage frequent fluids throughout the day. Water is best, but flavoured water, fruit-infused drinks, or popsicles can make hydration more appealing. Watch for early signs of dehydration, such as confusion, dizziness, or dry mouth.

2. Cool the Environment

Check that fans and air conditioning units are working properly. Keep blinds closed during the hottest parts of the day and use cooler communal spaces for group activities. If a facility has limited cooling options, rotate residents through the coolest areas whenever possible.

3. Lighten Up Activities

Strenuous exercise or heavy group programming should be minimized during peak heat. Instead, consider lighter activities such as crafts, music, or indoor visits where residents can remain cool and comfortable.

4. Dress for Comfort

Encourage lightweight, breathable clothing and provide cool cloths or damp towels for comfort. Remind residents that layering is not necessary on hot days, even if they are accustomed to wearing sweaters indoors.

5. Stay Alert for Warning Signs

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can escalate quickly. Be on the lookout for headaches, nausea, flushed skin, rapid pulse, or confusion. Prompt action (moving residents to a cooler space, offering fluids, and seeking medical support if needed) can make all the difference.

Protecting Yourself and Your Team

Nurses and caregivers are not immune to heat stress. Long shifts in warm environments can lead to fatigue, irritability, and burnout if self-care is not prioritized.

• Hydrate Regularly: Keep your own water bottle nearby and refill it often.

• Pace Yourself: Take breaks in cooler areas whenever you can, even for just a few minutes.

• Dress Smart: Choose lightweight, breathable uniforms and comfortable footwear.

• Look Out for Each Other: If a colleague seems fatigued or off balance, encourage them to rest and rehydrate.

  
  

Remember that maintaining your own energy is not selfish, it ensures you can continue caring for others effectively.

Small Acts, Big Impact

Heat safety is not about grand gestures, but about consistent, small actions. Offering a glass of water, adjusting a fan, or checking in with a resident who looks flushed can prevent serious outcomes. For healthcare workers, it also means listening to your own body and taking the steps you need to stay well.

When the heat rises, so does the importance of vigilance, teamwork, and compassion. By keeping both residents and staff cool, hydrated, and cared for, we create safer spaces and reduce the risks that come with extreme weather.

At Plan A, they know that supporting healthcare workers means ensuring balance and well-being in every season. If you are looking for flexible opportunities that fit your life while making a difference in patient care, consider exploring what Plan A has to offer.