Vulnerable groups

The purpose of activating the National Heatwave Plan is to alert informal carers and (care) professionals that hot weather is on the way. This helps raise their awareness so they can pay extra attention to the people they care for. They can then take the heat into account in the care and support they provide to vulnerable groups, such as older people and small children.

Older people (75+) are the largest vulnerable group, because they find it harder to regulate their body temperature and are less likely to feel thirsty. People with a chronic condition, people who are socially isolated, homeless people and (very) young children can also easily experience discomfort or health problems if no measures are taken. They may experience discomfort such as tiredness, headache and difficulty concentrating. They are also at greater risk of more serious health problems, such as dehydration and heatstroke.

Taking care of each other

Do you look after someone else? Or do you have vulnerable people around you? Then you can help them by paying extra attention to them during the heat. There are various things you can do to help them suffer less from the heat:

• Put a glass or jug of drinks within easy reach so they can drink enough.
• Help keep the house (and their head) cool, for example by closing the curtains and using a fan or air conditioning.
• Only take them outside in the early morning or later in the evening. It is best not to be too active during the hottest hours of the day.

Read more about heat and the National Heatwave Plan on our website. It is also important to prevent sunburn. You can protect yourself and others against this.