There’s something about summer that brings life into full colour. The sun stays out longer, gardens come alive, and people smile a little more. But for our elderly and vulnerable loved ones, the heat can bring silent challenges—especially when it comes to hydration and well-being.

In this blog, I want to share timely and practical advice on keeping hydrated, staying safe, and supporting loved ones during the warmer months. Because caring is not about reacting when something goes wrong—it’s about anticipating, preparing, and acting with compassion.

Why Summer Can Be Risky—But Also Rewarding

We love the idea of summer—ice creams, park walks, family BBQs—but for older people, it can mean:

• Reduced appetite and lower fluid intake

• Disrupted sleep due to heat

• Increased fatigue and dizziness

• Dehydration, which can quickly become serious

• Isolation (not everyone is out enjoying the sun)

Even a mild summer day can trigger health problems if we’re not careful. But with the right care and attention, summer can also be a season of joy, fresh air, and better mood.

That’s why at Maucare, we work closely with families across Kent and Surrey to make sure loved ones are supported through every seasonal change—especially summer.

The Hidden Dangers of Dehydration

It might seem like a small thing, but dehydration is one of the most common and most preventable causes of hospital admissions among older people in summer.

As we age, our sense of thirst declines. People simply don’t feel thirsty, even when they are dangerously low on fluids. Add to that medications, mobility issues, and sometimes a fear of “going to the loo too much,” and the risk rises fast.

Common signs of dehydration:

• Dry mouth and lips

• Headaches

• Confusion or forgetfulness

• Dark yellow urine or constipation

• Dizziness or unsteadiness

• Lethargy or weakness

One of our clients once said, “I thought I was just having a funny turn.” But it was dehydration—and with some attention and care, we turned it around in a day. It’s simple stuff, but only if you spot it early.

Practical Tips to Stay Hydrated in Summer

At Maucare, we believe in dignity, not dependency. That means giving people ways to stay well without making them feel like a burden.

Here’s how you can help your loved ones—and how our carers support hydration in a practical, compassionate way:

1. Keep drinks visible and within reach

Out of sight is out of mind. We encourage carers to place drinks where clients sit most—on side tables, in the kitchen, next to the TV remote.

2. Offer drinks regularly

Don’t wait until someone says they’re thirsty. Offer sips every hour. Even small amounts, often, can make a big difference.

3. Get creative with drinks

Water isn’t the only option. Try:

• Weak squash

• Herbal teas (hot or cold)

• Milkshakes

• Coconut water

• Jelly or ice lollies

One client loves cucumber water served in a wine glass. Why not? Hydration should feel like a treat, not a chore.

4. Include water-rich foods

• Watermelon

• Strawberries

• Cucumber

• Soup

• Yoghurt

• Stewed fruit

We encourage families and carers to work together to make mealtimes summery and hydrating.

5. Track fluid intake

Sometimes, we use a hydration chart or a simple tick list. If you’re concerned about how much someone is drinking, write it down. Patterns can help spot problems early.

Keeping Cool: Comfort Is Key

Hydration goes hand-in-hand with staying cool.

Our carers know that even simple steps—like closing blinds during the day, opening windows at night, or using fans—can stop heat from building up. We encourage light, loose clothing, and cool showers where possible.

And remember: not everyone can tell you they’re overheating. Dementia, stroke, and some medications reduce a person’s ability to sense or communicate discomfort. It’s up to us to be observant.

At Maucare, our summer care plans include specific prompts for hydration, temperature control, and outdoor activity to avoid heatstroke.

Outdoor Time—But Safely

Fresh air is good for the soul. With the right precautions, summer can be a beautiful time for clients to:

• Sit in the garden

• Visit a local park

• Enjoy gentle walks

• Join community events

But we plan carefully. Our carers know when to avoid the midday sun, when to bring a hat or sunscreen, and when it’s simply better to stay in.

We also work with families to tailor summer outings—whether it’s a picnic in the shade or a simple ice cream on the patio. It’s the little joys that matter.

Emotional Support During the Summer

While the physical risks of heat are serious, summer can also expose emotional gaps.

When friends go away, clubs close for holidays, or the pace of life changes, some older people feel more alone. Days feel longer. Routines get disrupted.

That’s why companionship is just as vital as hydration. At Maucare, we often recommend a mix of practical care and social visits. Sometimes, someone just needs a friendly face and a shared cup of tea.

We’ve had carers bring in fresh flowers, help write postcards, or sit outside with clients listening to birdsong. It’s not just care—it’s connection. And in summer, that’s what keeps people going.

How Maucare Makes a Difference

Our approach to care is personal, seasonal, and rooted in lived experience.

We don’t just look at tasks—we look at people. That means:

• Adjusting care plans to fit the summer season

• Monitoring hydration as standard practice

• Training carers on heat-related illness

• Planning meaningful summer activities

• Checking emotional well-being, not just physical health

Whether it’s a 30-minute visit or full-day support, we treat every client like they’re part of our extended family. Because to us, care is not a service—it’s a relationship.

Get in Touch

Visit www.maucare.co.uk to learn more about our personalised summer care plans across Kent and Surrey.

Let’s make this summer safe, joyful, and full of dignity for the people who matter most.