Hot weather does not mean that activities have to stop. In fact, during a heatwave, meaningful engagement, companionship and enjoyable routines can be especially important for residents’ wellbeing.
Care settings should continue to offer activities, but these may need to be adapted to reflect the temperature, each person’s health needs and their personal preferences.
The focus should always remain on providing safe, person-centred care. This means understanding what matters to each resident and finding comfortable ways for them to stay connected, stimulated and involved throughout the day.
Activities should continue, with sensible changes
Residents should still have opportunities to enjoy hobbies, social interaction and meaningful occupation during hot weather. However, outdoor events, energetic exercise and activities held in very warm rooms may need to be reviewed.
Instead, activity plans can focus on calm, indoor and cooling options, such as:
- Music sessions, singalongs or listening to favourite songs
- Reminiscence activities using photographs, familiar objects or conversation prompts
- Arts and crafts in a cool, shaded room
- Board games, quizzes and puzzles
- Film afternoons
- Gentle chair-based activities, adapted to the individual
- Reading groups or storytelling
- Hand massages, nail care or wellbeing sessions
- Virtual visits with family and friends
- One-to-one chats for residents who prefer quieter support
- Gentle gardening activities in shaded areas during cooler parts of the day
The best activities are not always the busiest or loudest. A conversation over a cold drink, listening to a favourite piece of music or helping to fold towels can be meaningful when it reflects someone’s interests and life experience.
Keeping residents cool and comfortable
During a heatwave, activity teams and care staff should work together to make sure residents remain comfortable.
Practical steps may include offering regular drinks, using the coolest available communal areas, closing blinds or curtains in direct sunlight, encouraging light clothing and adjusting activities around the warmest part of the day.
Outdoor activities should be planned carefully. Where possible, these can take place earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon, when temperatures are lower. Shaded seating, sun hats, cold drinks and regular wellbeing checks can help residents enjoy fresh air safely.
The UK Health Security Agency advises care providers to take action during hot weather to reduce health risks for vulnerable people. Older adults, people living with dementia, those with long-term conditions and people taking certain medicines may be particularly affected by high temperatures.
Meeting expectations for activity provision
Activities should not be treated as an optional extra. Meaningful occupation, social connection and personal choice are important parts of good care.
The CQC’s guidance on person-centred care highlights the importance of supporting people to continue activities, hobbies and interests that matter to them. This includes recognising that not everyone will want to join group sessions and ensuring people have opportunities for individual activities too.
Good activity provision during hot weather should include:
- Activities tailored to individual abilities, interests and wishes
- A mixture of group, one-to-one and self-led opportunities
- Adaptations for people living with dementia, sensory loss, reduced mobility or communication needs
- Regular hydration support throughout the day
- Consideration of indoor temperatures and shaded areas
- Clear communication with residents and relatives about changed plans
- Monitoring for signs of heat-related illness or discomfort
- Ongoing opportunities for residents to make choices about how they spend their time
A heatwave should never mean that residents are left without stimulation or social contact. Instead, it is an opportunity to be creative, flexible and responsive.
Supporting wellbeing together
Families can also play an important role during hot weather. A phone call, video chat, visit during cooler times of day or sharing photographs and favourite music can offer comfort and connection.
For care teams, the key is balance. Residents should be protected from the risks of extreme heat while still being supported to enjoy meaningful days, maintain relationships and take part in the activities they value.
At Charlton Kings Care Home, we believe that every day should include opportunities for comfort, connection and enjoyment. Our team adapts activities around each individual, helping people stay safe, engaged and valued whatever the weather.