Heat exhaustion is no joke. Neither is heatstroke. Heat-related illness can easily sneak up on the elderly and those living with a disability, and that’s why we would like to remind our community to stay safe and cool this Australia Day.  

According to the Australian Government website Health Direct, heatwaves have killed more Australians than all other natural hazards combined. 

Heat-related illness occurs when the body can no longer transfer enough heat (sweating) to keep cool. A high body temperature, also known as hyperthermia, can develop rapidly in extremely hot environments. Hot temperatures also can build up in small spaces with poor ventilation.  

Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are two types of heat-related illness. Heat exhaustion generally develops when a person is working or exercising in hot weather and does not drink enough fluids to replace those lost. If heat exhaustion is untreated, it can escalate to heat stroke, which is the most severe form of heat-related illness and requires immediate medical attention. Heat stroke occurs when the body fails to regulate its temperature and continues to rise, often to 39°C or higher. Even with immediate medical treatment, heat stroke can be life-threatening and cause serious long-term problems. 

Who is most at risk from hot weather? 

While most people find extremely hot weather and heatwaves uncomfortable, some people have a higher risk than others of becoming ill. These include: 

• Elderly people aged over 75 years, babies and young children 
• People with long-term health conditions, for example heart or respiratory disease, diabetes or circulatory diseases 
• People who are obese 
• People taking certain medicines 
• People who are socially isolated 
• People who work outdoors or in hot and poorly ventilated areas and those engaging in vigorous physical activity in hot weather 
• People who are not acclimatised to the heat, for example overseas visitors 

Heat-related illness can be prevented by keeping the body cool and avoiding dehydration in hot environments. Home treatment is usually all that is needed to treat many heat-related illnesses. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke need immediate medical treatment. If you are worried about the possibility of heat-related illness in your family this summer, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Right at Home is dedicated to looking after the most vulnerable members of our community. 

Happy Australia Day and stay safe and cool.  

Keep up to date with COVID 19 information on the following links: 

Australian Government Department of Health 

Victorian Health and Human Services 

NSW Health 

Queensland Health 

ACT Health 

WA Department of Health 

Tasmanian Department of Health 

Northern Territory Department of Health 

SA Health 

Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care, and assistance to seniors (elderly and aged care), and any adult who needs our care at home including adults living with a disability who want to continue to live independently or age in their home. Right at Home is your local expert for issues related to caring for your loved ones and is dedicated to keeping you informed about home care. With no package management fees Right at Home allows you to get more care from your package or budget. 

Right at Home is a 'My Aged Care' government approved, home care provider for levels 1 – 4 and offers flexible in-home care services such as nursing care, after hospital care, post-operative care, respite care, dementia and Alzheimer's care. Right at Home also offers assistance with daily living and personal care such as grooming, hygiene, transport, shopping, meal prep, domestic services and social support, so your loved one can enjoy a more independent, vibrant life. Our nurses and caregivers are screened, highly trained, and insured prior to entering your home so you can trust us with the caregiving while you focus on your loved one. 

To find out more, please give us a call on 1300 363 802 or visit our website. 

Right at Home Offices in Australia: Adelaide Central; Brisbane Bayside; Brisbane North; Brisbane South; Brisbane West; Central Queensland & Wide Bay; Darling Downs; Far North Queensland; Gold Coast North; Gold Coast South; Greater Logan; Mackay; Moreton Bay Region; Noosa, Gympie & Hinterland; Sunshine Coast; Townsville; Central West New South Wales; Gosford; Hunter & Port Stephens; Macarthur Penrith; Newcastle; Northern Rivers; Padstow St George; Southern NSW; Sydney Central & Eastern Suburbs; Sydney Inner West; Sydney Liverpool; Sydney Lower North Shore; Sydney Norwest; Sydney Northern Beaches; Sydney Parramatta; Sydney Ryde; Sydney The Hills; Sydney Upper North Shore; Kalgoorlie Wheatbelt; Perth Como; Perth Midland; Perth Northern Suburbs; Perth West Coast; Southwest Victoria