The Minister for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler TD, is advising older people to stay hydrated and avoid direct sun light to help remain safe during the hot weather, ahead of a status yellow high temperature warning for the coming days.

People aged over 65 and those with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s, dementia and conditions affecting their breathing, heart and kidneys can be particularly vulnerable at this time.

Minister Butler said: “Heat stress, heat exhaustion and heatstroke are potentially serious health risks for people during a heatwave. I urge older people, and anyone caring for someone, to take steps to stay cool and hydrated and monitor for signs of dehydration and heat exhaustion.

“It is important to remember that your GP or pharmacist will be able to advise you if any of your medicines might make you more likely to become ill from the heat.”

Be SunSmart:

Minister Butler is particularly urging those who are caring for someone to be vigilant: “If you are caring for someone, they may not have a sense of how much they are drinking. To help them, make sure they drink during mealtimes and offer food with a high water content.”

Early intervention is essential if someone becomes unwell due to heat exhaustion, heatstroke or dehydration and people are advised to contact their GP or seek medical attention if you become dizzy, disorientated, have not urinated, or have an increased heart rate.

If you or anyone else is struggling contact the emergency services immediately by calling 112 or 999.

For further advice, visit the HSE’s website.