The UK is expected to experience a period of exceptionally hot weather this week, with temperatures in some areas forecast to exceed 35°C and potentially approach record-breaking levels for June. While warm weather can bring opportunities for outdoor activities and wellbeing, prolonged periods of extreme heat also create significant challenges and risks for both children’s and adult social care services.

For social care providers, heatwaves are not simply a matter of comfort. High temperatures can affect physical health, emotional wellbeing, medication effectiveness, sleep patterns, behaviour, and the ability of staff and the people they support to carry out daily activities safely. Services should therefore take proactive steps to review arrangements and ensure appropriate support is in place throughout the period of hot weather.

In children’s social care, young people may be more likely to spend time outdoors, engage in physical activities, or travel independently during warm weather. Staff should remain mindful of hydration, sun safety, and the potential impact of heat on emotional regulation and behaviour. Young people who have experienced trauma, mental health difficulties, or neurodivergent conditions may find excessive heat particularly challenging, potentially affecting sleep, concentration, and emotional wellbeing.

Within adult social care, the risks can be even more significant. Older adults, people with physical health conditions, individuals with learning disabilities, and those taking certain medications may be particularly vulnerable to heat-related illness. Dehydration, heat exhaustion, worsening of existing health conditions, and increased risk of falls can all become concerns during periods of extreme temperature. Services should ensure that support plans and risk assessments adequately reflect these risks and that staff understand how to respond to signs of heat-related illness.

Periods of extreme heat can also create additional operational challenges. Staff shortages may occur if employees become unwell, transport arrangements may be affected, and services may need to reconsider planned activities. Managers should consider whether any adjustments are required to daily routines, staffing arrangements, or planned outings to ensure that support remains safe, effective, and responsive to individual needs.

Providers may wish to review several key areas during the heatwave. Access to drinking water should be readily available throughout the day, with staff encouraging regular hydration rather than waiting for individuals to report feeling thirsty. Indoor environments should be monitored to identify opportunities to reduce heat exposure, such as closing curtains during the hottest parts of the day, improving ventilation where safe to do so, and adapting activities to cooler periods of the morning or evening.

Medication management should also be considered carefully. Some medications can affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature or increase the risk of dehydration. While medication regimes should never be altered without appropriate clinical advice, staff should be aware of potential concerns and seek guidance where necessary.

The wellbeing of staff is equally important. Social care professionals continue to provide essential support regardless of weather conditions, often working in demanding environments. Managers should ensure that staff have access to hydration, suitable rest breaks, and opportunities to discuss any concerns regarding working conditions during periods of extreme heat.

This period of hot weather also presents an opportunity for providers to demonstrate proactive leadership and effective risk management. Reviewing contingency plans, communicating clear expectations to staff, and ensuring that support arrangements remain responsive can help services maintain both safety and quality of care during challenging weather conditions.

Heatwave Preparedness Checklist for Social Care Services

As temperatures rise, managers and staff may wish to review the following areas:

Environment and Accommodation

☐ Ensure drinking water is freely available throughout the service.

☐ Check that bedrooms, offices, and communal areas can be kept as cool as possible through ventilation, fans, blinds, or curtains.

☐ Identify cooler areas within the building that can be used during the hottest parts of the day.

☐ Review transport arrangements, particularly where journeys may involve prolonged periods in vehicles.

Health and Wellbeing

☐ Encourage regular hydration throughout the day.

☐ Promote sun safety, including the use of sunscreen, hats, and appropriate clothing when outdoors.

☐ Monitor individuals who may be at increased risk from heat, including:

• Older adults
• Young children
• Individuals with disabilities
• People with physical health conditions
• Individuals taking medications that may affect hydration or temperature regulation

☐ Ensure staff know the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and understand when medical support should be sought.

Care and Support Planning

☐ Review individual risk assessments where heat may present additional risks.

☐ Consider adjustments to planned activities during the hottest periods of the day.

☐ Monitor sleep, mood, behaviour, and emotional wellbeing, as excessive heat can affect regulation, concentration, and overall wellbeing.

☐ Ensure support plans reflect any additional needs arising from extreme weather conditions.

Workforce Considerations

☐ Remind staff to stay hydrated and take appropriate breaks.

☐ Consider adjustments to physical tasks where possible.

☐ Ensure lone workers and outreach staff have access to water and understand local heat-related safety procedures.

☐ Encourage staff to raise concerns promptly if heat is affecting their wellbeing or ability to carry out their role safely.

Leadership and Governance

☐ Review business continuity and emergency planning arrangements.

☐ Communicate clear expectations and guidance to staff.

☐ Record and review any heat-related incidents or concerns.

☐ Ensure safeguarding and welfare considerations remain central to decision-making during extreme weather.

Final Thought

Extreme weather is becoming an increasingly common feature of life in the UK. While most social care services are well equipped to respond to changing circumstances, periods of unusually high temperatures provide an important reminder of the need for proactive planning, effective risk management, and a continued focus on the wellbeing of both those receiving support and those providing it.

Whether working in children’s homes, supported accommodation, fostering services, domiciliary care, supported living, residential care, or community-based support services, preparation remains one of the most effective tools available. By taking practical and proportionate steps now, providers can help protect the health, wellbeing, and safety of the people they support while maintaining the high standards of care and support expected across the sector.

At Social Care Skills, we encourage all providers to take a few moments this week to review their arrangements and ensure that both staff and the people they support remain safe, comfortable, and well-supported throughout the period of extreme heat.