Recommendations for older people

• cross-ventilating the home in the early hours of the morning
• moving sleeping and living areas to cooler rooms in the home
• shading the home with blinds or curtains
• switching off heat-emitting appliances such as televisions, coffee machines or computers and keeping an eye on the room temperature
  and relative humidity (max. 24-28°C and 40-60% RH during the day; below 24°C at night)
• use a fan to improve the draught. This is recommended up to 35°C
• If possible, schedule visits to the doctor or other joint activities outside during the cooler hours of the day.
  It is coolest between 6:00 and 10:00 in the morning. Temperatures are highest at midday and in the afternoon.

When you leave your home, make sure that you and the person in need of care are wearing

• wear light-colored, airy clothing and a sun hat with neck protection
• have applied sun cream or sun lotion
• stay in the shade and avoid direct sunlight
• have enough to drink with you.

Implement preventive measures

Protect your relatives in need of care and yourself from overheating. You can get through the heat well by

• Spreading water from a spray bottle on your arms, legs, face and neck
• applying cool, moist compresses to the arms, legs, forehead or neck (e.g. peppermint compresses).
  Caution: The use of cold packs can cause cold damage to the skin
• dress the person in need of care in light and airy clothing
• use a breathable mattress and light bed linen
• Increase the amount of fluids

Source: LMU