It’s one of the quiet worries many families face during the summer:
“Mum’s been alone all week. She’s not been out, and I don’t think she’s drinking enough water either.”
When the temperature rises, older adults often become more vulnerable — not just to heat, but to isolation, inactivity, and health complications. Many feel unsafe moving around their own home. Some don’t go out at all for fear of falling.
And that’s where we come in.
The Hidden Risk of Heat + Inactivity
Hot weather isn’t just uncomfortable — it’s dangerous, especially for people with limited mobility or chronic health issues.
Older adults may struggle with:
- Poor temperature regulation
- Low fluid intake
- Difficulty accessing fans, cold drinks, or cooler rooms
- Increased risk of falls due to dehydration and fatigue
- A fear of walking or even standing in the heat
These factors combine to create a spiral of inactivity, which can:
- Weaken muscles and joints
- Increase swelling and stiffness
- Reduce confidence in movement
- Increase dependence on others — or worse, leave someone lying on the floor unable to get up
Signs a Loved One May Be Struggling
If you’re worried about a parent or grandparent, look out for:
- Sitting in one chair all day
- Choosing to “go without” rather than ask for help (e.g., food, drinks, fresh air)
- Forgetting medication
- Avoiding outings they used to enjoy
- Becoming more unsteady on their feet
- Avoiding stairs or the bathroom due to fear
They might not say “I need help.” But their world could be getting smaller.
How Home Physiotherapy Makes a Difference
At The Physiotherapists, we’re not just here to treat pain—we’re here to preserve independence, boost confidence, and keep people safe in their own homes.
Our gentle, personalised sessions can help older adults:
- ✅ Improve strength and balance
- ✅ Regain confidence walking indoors and outdoors
- ✅ Learn energy-saving techniques to cope with heat
- ✅ Stay mobile enough to reach drinks, cool spaces, and essential items
- ✅ Reduce their risk of falls
- ✅ Reconnect with routines that make them feel like themselves again
And because we come to them, there’s no stress about transport, parking, or appointments. Just genuine, compassionate support — in the comfort of home.
What Family Members Say:
“My dad wasn’t going outside at all. He wouldn’t even open a window. After just a few sessions, he was more confident on his feet — and even agreed to go for a walk again.”
“Mum didn’t tell us she’d been skipping meals because she couldn’t carry things from the kitchen. The physio worked with her on strengthening and showed her safer ways to move. It gave her — and us — peace of mind.”
Your Loved One Deserves More Than Just “Getting By”
If you’ve noticed a change in an elderly relative this summer, please don’t brush it off as “just the heat.”
They may be struggling more than they’re letting on.
Let us help them stay safe, mobile, and independent — with compassion, dignity, and expert care.
📍 Covering Brighton, Hove, Shoreham, Lewes, Peacehaven, and Portslade
🏡 In-home physiotherapy — because comfort matters
📞 Book a free callback today at www.thephysiotherapists.co.uk
The Physiotherapists — Keeping older adults moving, even when the temperature soars.