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September may signal the start of fall on the calendar, but San Diego County can still experience very hot days. For older adults and others who may be more vulnerable to heat, having a simple plan can help reduce the risk of heat-related illness.
Extra precautions may be especially important for people with certain chronic health conditions, those taking medications that affect temperature regulation or hydration, people with limited mobility and anyone who has difficulty accessing a cool environment or transportation.
The California Department of Public Health issued a Hot Summer Weather Advisory on July 30, 2026. While the advisory focused on health care facilities, many of its practical recommendations can also apply at home: monitor temperatures, maintain cooling equipment, support hydration when medically appropriate, limit activity during the hottest parts of the day and watch for changes that could be related to heat.
As we age, changes in the body’s ability to regulate temperature can make it harder to adapt to extreme heat. Chronic health conditions may increase risk and some medications can affect sweating, thirst, blood pressure, or fluid balance.
Cognitive or communication differences may also make it harder for someone to recognize or report symptoms. A person with limited mobility may need assistance getting to a cooler room or another air-conditioned location.
These factors do not mean that every older adult or person with a disability will respond to heat in the same way. Avoid making assumptions. Ask what the person needs, respect their preferences and involve a qualified health care professional when heat precautions involve medical conditions, fluid restrictions, or medications.
1. Monitor the Forecast and the Home
Check the expected daytime highs and overnight temperatures. Keep in mind that a home can remain hot even after the outdoor temperature begins to fall.
Identify the coolest room in the home and use shades or curtains to reduce direct sunlight when appropriate. Make sure fans, air conditioning and other cooling equipment are working properly before a heat wave arrives.
2. Schedule Around the Heat
Whenever possible, plan errands, outdoor activities and demanding household tasks during cooler parts of the day.
Encourage regular rest breaks and choose lightweight, comfortable clothing. Individual activity limits should always follow guidance from the person’s health care professional.
3. Plan Fluids and Meals
Keep preferred fluids within easy reach unless a medical professional has prescribed a fluid restriction. Some people may need reminders or physical assistance to drink regularly.
Never override instructions related to heart, kidney, swallowing, or other medical conditions. A physician or dietitian can help determine an appropriate hydration and nutrition plan.
Lighter meals and easy-to-prepare foods may also make hot days more comfortable.
4. Review Medication Questions With a Professional
Hot weather is not a reason to skip, stop, or change prescribed medication.
Instead, ask a physician or pharmacist whether any medications may affect heat tolerance, thirst, blood pressure, sweating, or hydration. Ask what warning signs to watch for and whether any additional precautions are recommended.
5. Set Up a Buddy Check
Decide who will call or visit, how often check-ins will occur, and what should happen if the person does not answer.
A helpful check-in goes beyond asking, “Are you okay?”
Consider Asking:
Regular check-ins can be particularly helpful for someone who lives alone or has difficulty recognizing or communicating changes in how they feel.
If the home becomes too hot, know where the person can go before an emergency occurs.
San Diego County designates seasonal Cool Zones in air-conditioned public settings, including locations such as libraries and community centers. Before relying on a particular location, verify that it is currently operating, check its hours and accessibility and arrange transportation if needed.
The County’s Safety & Disaster Preparedness resources also connect residents with ReadySanDiego, AlertSanDiego and Accessible AlertSanDiego. Landlines are automatically registered for AlertSanDiego, while mobile devices require registration.
Having a backup plan is especially important if someone depends on air conditioning or other powered equipment to remain comfortable and safe.
Heat stroke is more serious and can involve a very high body temperature, confusion, loss of consciousness, or other severe symptoms. Heat stroke is a medical emergency.
Call 911 if heat stroke is suspected or symptoms are severe. If it is safe to do so, move the person to a cooler location while waiting for emergency help and follow the instructions provided by emergency personnel.
Within an established care plan, non-medical caregivers can provide practical support during hot weather. Depending on the person’s needs, this may include checking the indoor environment, offering fluids as permitted, preparing meals, moving errands to cooler times of day, providing transportation and communicating changes to family members.
Caregivers do not diagnose heat illness or change medication instructions. Medical questions and changes in a person’s condition should be directed to an appropriate health care professional.
Clear emergency contacts and escalation steps should also be available in the home.
A short written heat plan can make a big difference when temperatures rise or there is an unexpected power outage.
Keep these details together in a visible location:
Planning ahead can help older adults remain comfortable, connected, and supported while reducing the stress that can come with extreme heat.
Medical Information Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Ask a qualified health care professional about medical conditions, fluid restrictions, medications, or individualized heat precautions. Call 911 for a medical emergency.
ComForCare Home Care North San Diego can discuss non-medical support for daily routines, errands, transportation and check-ins during hot weather. Support can be aligned with the person’s established care plan, preferences, and family needs. Call ComForCare today! 858-247-1005
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