Older people are unknowingly putting themselves at risk during periods of extreme heat.
A care provider in Buckinghamshire, Abbots Care, has raised concerns after finding that many clients still have their heating on during heatwaves due to unattended timers.
The company also revealed that some clients with adult social care packages are reluctant to use electric fans because of worries about high energy costs.
Abbots Care has launched a new safety campaign called Keep your Cool to help protect vulnerable people.
The campaign aims to support clients, families, and care workers during periods of hot weather and encourages the public to check in on elderly neighbours.
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Sarah Hurley, care director at Abbots Care, said: "One of the biggest challenges is that many older people simply don't think they're at risk.
"They often don't feel particularly hot, may be reluctant to open windows, and if they're less mobile, they may not be going outside and don't appreciate just how high the temperature has become.
"Many of our care workers arrive to find heating still running on timers even during extremely hot weather.
"We also meet older people who don't want to switch on a fan because they're worried about how much electricity it will use.
"We completely understand those concerns, but during periods of extreme heat staying cool has to come first."
Extreme heat can be particularly dangerous for older adults due to their reduced ability to regulate body temperature. Many also have underlying health issues or take medications that increase their risk of heat-related illness.
Ms Hurley said: "Turning the heating off, opening windows when it's cooler outside, encouraging people to drink regularly and helping them stay cool are simple interventions that can make a significant difference.
"With our Keep your Cool campaign, we're also encouraging families, friends and neighbours to check in on older people during hot weather.
"A quick visit, making sure someone has a cold drink, opening a window or switching off the heating could genuinely save a life."
Katie Huby, community nurse assessor at Abbots Care, said: "Some medications can increase the risk of becoming unwell during hot weather, including certain antidepressants, medicines used to treat heart disease and high blood pressure, and some allergy medications.
"High temperatures can affect the way some medicines work and may also impair the body's ability to regulate body temperature.
"It is important that medicines are stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and that anyone with concerns speaks to their pharmacist or GP."
The company’s advice for staying safe in hot weather includes keeping living areas cool by closing curtains and using fans, offering regular drinks of water, eating water-rich foods, and choosing lightweight clothing.
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Older adults are advised to stay indoors between 11am and 3pm and to limit caffeine and alcohol.
Other ideas include placing feet in cool water for up to 15 minutes, using a cool damp flannel on neck, wrists, temple and behind the knees or chilling pillowcases or flannels in the fridge before bed.
In 2022, there were 3,271 excess deaths during heat periods in England and Wales, with people aged 70 and over disproportionately affected.
Warning signs of heat exhaustion include dizziness, confusion, headache, nausea, rapid heartbeat, or reduced urination.
Anyone showing signs of heat stroke, including collapse or severe confusion, should receive immediate medical help by calling 999.
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