www.bcs.org.au
Temperature
Help Sheet 2.14
Living with dementia - how the environment, technology and you can help
This help sheet contains suggestions
about how assistive technology and
changing the environment may assist
with supporting the person with
dementia and their carer in the home.
All of us are sensitive to changes
in the weather. However as we get
older our bodies become less able to
respond effectively to cold and hot
weather extremes. Family members
and caregivers of someone living
with dementia may be worried that
the person they care for is unable to
recognize and adjust to changes in the
temperature both outside and inside
their home environment.
There can be a number of risks associated with temperature
changes within the home, particularly those associated with
extreme heat in summer and cold snaps in winter. Even mildly cool
homes can trigger hypothermia in some individuals while making
others vulnerable to illness. During a heat wave a person with
dementia can quickly become dehydrated and over heated.
Warning Signs
Indicators that temperature levels in the home may not be adequate
for the person with dementia are:
• If the person is hot and at risk of overheating, the warning signs
to look for are: red hot dry skin (lack of perspiration), confusion,
or change in mental state or consciousness;
• If the person is cold and at risk of hypothermia they may show
signs of confusion or change in their mental state, slurred
speech, shallow breathing, excessive shivering or no shivering,
stiffness in the arms or legs, slower reactions.
Monitoring a person with dementia’s temperature with a mercury
thermometer is not recommended. Thermometers that are designed
to be placed in the ear, digital thermometers and temperature strips
are a simpler and safer alternative.
Person Centred Response
All of us have different needs and respond to both the environment
and other people around us in different ways. Any decision to
change the environment or use technology must follow a personcentred assessment, where the perspectives, needs and choices of
the person with dementia are understood and respected. Involving
the person with dementia in the decision making process and,
where possible, testing the item with them beforehand can often
mean the difference between success and disappointment.
69% 28
72 % 23
10.32
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C
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17
Digital Temperature Displays display
the time, temperature and weather
image icons such as cloud, sun or rain
When introducing any changes it is important to consider how
they may affect the person with dementia. Suddenly changing the
environment that is familiar may add to difficulties.
Training to care for people with dementia
What works for some people does
not always work for others. It is
important to continue to provide
ongoing evaluation to ensure
that any technology or strategies
used for supporting independence
and safety in the home, remains
meaningful to the person and
match their needs and abilities.
Environmental
Suggestions
There are a number of
environmental adaptations that
may assist with keeping the home
temperature comfortable in both
summer and winter. These are:
• Installing insulation in the ceiling
space and wall cavities;
• Fitting shutters or awnings on
windows that are exposed to
summer sun;
• Fitting heavy curtains to
windows to keep the heat out in
summer and the heat in during
winter;
• Closing off parts of the home that
are susceptible to extremes of
temperature; and
• Leaving only seasonal clothes
available for choice in the
wardrobe.
Simple Technology
Suggestions
• Digital Temperature Displays
are available for both indoors
and outdoors. They come in a
variety of sizes and can often be
purchased as a combined clock
and weather station. The screen
can display the time, temperature
in Fahrenheit and Centigrade
and weather image icons such as
cloud, sun or rain.
• Ceiling Heater/Extractor Fan
can be purchased and installed
in the bathroom as a combined
unit or installed separately.
These units can be used to heat
a bathroom in colder months
while the extractor fan removes
steam from the shower or bath
throughout the year.
• Split System Air Conditioning
can both cool and heat areas of
the home and can be operated on
a timer system using thermostatic
control. They are operated by
remote control. These systems
need to be fitted by a licensed
installer.
• Oil Filled Column Heaters are
available in as easy to use model
(on/off switch and dial control
from warm to hot), through
to more complex heaters with
timers and temperature settings.
Check that the oil heater has a
safety cut off if knocked over.
Advanced Technology
Suggestions
• Automated Pergolas or opening
roof systems are electronically
operated louvre type panels
which are fitted to a frame. The
panels can be opened or closed
electronically, depending on
the home owner’s preference.
The panels can be used to block
out strong sunlight and shade
areas in summer, but opened
up in cooler months to allow
sunlight in.
• Automated Climate Control
Systems operate by using
sensors to measure the
temperature in each room. The
system adjusts the temperature
room by room. This can be set to
preferred comfort level and can
work as a climate control system
only, or can control the lighting,
water, entertainment, phones
and security, communicating
information about utility use to
the call centre.
Finding Products
For information about specific
products and where to get them, see
www.dementiatechnology.org.au
Professional assessment is advised
before any changes are made or
products purchased. To find the best
solution for your needs and to avoid
unnecessary expense, contact the
Independent Living Centre.
Further Information
Technology and the way individuals
relate to it are constantly changing.
For further information, a dementia
friendly home checklist and to
view other Help Sheets about
how the environment, technology
and you can help, please see
www. dementiatechnology.org.au or
call 1300 275 227 (1300 ASK BCS).
For further information and to discuss
your individual needs and:
• assistive technology or home
modifications, contact the Independent
Living Centre at www.ilcaustralia.org
or 1300 885 886;
• dementia, contact The National
Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500,
or Alzheimer’s Australia at
www.alzheimers.org.au.
For information about local care and
support services, including respite
for carers, phone Commonwealth
Respite and Carelink Centres on
freecall 1800 052 222*. For emergency
respite support outside business hours,
phone freecall 1800 059 059* (*Calls
from mobile phones are charged at
applicable rates).
The information on this help sheet was produced with funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and
Ageing under the Dementia Initiative. The views expressed on this help sheet are not necessarily those of the Department.
Help Sheet 2.14 | Nov08