Older people, their families, friends and neighbours across Rutland and Stamford are being encouraged to think about staying hydrated this summer.

Individuals have a duty to support vulnerable people who may be at risk, in any way they can, leading home care provider Bluebird Care Stamford & Rutland has urged.

As the weather continues to stay warm and remain humid, Bluebird Care is sending out the strong message that heat exposure is extremely serious and potentially life threatening – and the cloud coverage can be misleading, leading to more cases of over exposure.

As such, the care provider is urging people across the area to stay hydrated and prepare for the hotter days with some simple tips to stay safe in the sun.

Almost 900 deaths in over-65s were recorded in the summer of 2022 due to soaring temperatures in the U.K. This highlights the danger of high temperatures and the importance of being prepared. Staying hydrated is essential particularly for those in high risk groups, such as babies, children and older people.

Government recommendations suggest everyone should have around 6-8 glasses a day, which can be water or sugar-free drinks (NHS Eatwell Guide, 2022).

Bluebird Care Stamford & Rutland has launched their Summer Hydration initiative. As part of this they will be sharing tips across social media and sharing links to national resources to help ensure everyone is prepared for the hotter weather. 

With the frequent and sudden changes in British weather Bluebird Care want to issue a reminder for people to stay prepared and alert for the hotter weather.

Tips from the NHS include:

Keep your home cool by closing your blinds and curtains

Stay hydrated with water, avoiding alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks

Stay alert by keeping up to date with weather forecasts

Check on relatives and neighbours who may be most at risk

If you need to go outside plan ahead, have plenty of food and water

Avoid outings in the middle of the day, 11-3pm is the hottest part of the day.

Commenting, Tim Carey, Director of Bluebird Care Stamford & Rutland, said: "Many vulnerable people feel lonely and isolated and we are often unaware of the real threat to life that extreme weather can cause to at risk groups.

Staying hydrated in the summer months is vital as the sun can often catch us off guard, giving little time to take precautions against the heat. It's important to stay alert for the hotter weather now by taking simple precautions like making sure you are aware of the weather forecast, finding an hour to keep cool, speaking to your neighbours about coping with extreme heat and make sure you are drinking enough fluids.

We are reaching out to the community to ensure that they keep in regular contact with their friends and neighbours to take precautions to stay safe this summer. If anyone would like further advice or are in need of home care over the summer, please contact the team at Bluebird Care."

For more details contact Bluebird Care by calling 01780 480 881, emailing [email protected], or by visiting their website.