27/05/2026
At 34°C in Jersey, older people are one of the groups most at risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke — especially anyone over 75, living alone, or with heart, lung, kidney conditions or on several medications.
For elderly people, the priorities are:
Drink regularly, even if not thirsty — water, squash, milk, or diluted juice. Avoid lots of alcohol and limit too much tea/coffee. Dehydration can happen before thirst is noticeable.
Keep the house shut up during the hottest hours — close windows, curtains and blinds on sun-facing rooms during the day; open windows later at night when cooler.
Stay out of direct sun between roughly 11am–3pm and avoid gardening, walks uphill, heavy housework, etc.
Wear loose, light clothing (cotton or breathable fabrics).
Use cool water on skin — cool shower, damp flannel on neck/wrists, feet in cool water.
Sleep in the coolest room available, even temporarily. Ground floors are often cooler.
Check medications — some medicines can increase dehydration risk or heat sensitivity. Keep medicines at the recommended temperature and ask a pharmacist or GP if unsure.
Family/neighbours should check in daily on elderly relatives or neighbours during heat like this.
Watch for heat exhaustion signs:
dizziness
unusual tiredness or weakness
headache
nausea
heavy sweating
confusion
cramps
Move to a cool place, sip fluids, cool the skin.
Call emergency help urgently if someone becomes confused, collapses, stops sweating despite being hot, or has a very high temperature — those can be signs of heatstroke
Call now to connect with business.
