Heat waves are becoming more frequent, longer, and more intense. The heat wave at the end of June caused 5,764 excess deaths in France, according to preliminary figures from Santé publique France, and deaths at home tripled. If you’re caring for an elderly parent or loved one who lives at home, here’s what you need to know to help them get through the heat.
Keeping Your Home Cool: Three Steps
The logic is simple and requires no equipment. During the day, keep the heat out: close the shutters and windows on the sunny side first thing in the morning, and lower the blinds. At night, let the heat out: as soon as the air cools down, open everything wide and create a draft from one side of the house to the other. And during the day, retreat to the coolest room—one facing north or on a lower floor—rather than struggling to stay cool throughout the entire home.
Additional tips: a damp cloth, a little water sprayed on your forearms, a plant that shades the window. And the basics: drink regularly without waiting until you’re thirsty, eat lighter meals, and avoid any physical exertion during the hottest hours of the day. If you feel unwell, are speaking incoherently, or have a fever, call 15 immediately.
When Your Home Isn't Enough: Cool Places Are Right Nearby
Some homes remain too hot despite everything—this is common, and it’s nobody’s fault. Solutions are available just a few streets away.
Les Petits Frères des Pauvres are setting up their “Oasis solidaires”: a cool place to stay, a glass of water, and companionship, primarily for isolated seniors. Many nursing homes across France are opening their air-conditioned common rooms to older adults in the neighborhood, as in Douai, Sautron, and Bergerac.
This movement, encouraged at the national level by industry federations, underscores an important point: when it comes to the heat, care facilities and homes aren’t at odds—everyone does their part. Finally, air-conditioned public spaces we visit daily—such as media libraries, movie theaters, shopping centers, and town hall lobbies—provide real protection: spending an hour or two in the cool during heat waves is by no means insignificant.
A Little-Known Right: The City Hall Registry
Since the law of June 2004—enacted in the wake of the 2003 heat wave—every municipality has maintained a registry of vulnerable individuals: during heat alerts, the town hall contacts those on the list. Registration is free, voluntary, and open year-round, and it is often a family member or close friend who suggests it, since people living alone almost never register on their own.
In the summer, the coordination team gets a new look
At Autonomia, extreme heat leads to concrete changes in care: visits are rescheduled for the coolest times of day whenever possible; special attention is paid to hydration and warning signs during each visit; connections with family, friends, and care providers are strengthened; and a single point of contact is designated to adjust the care plan when the heat persists. If you’re wondering how to adapt the care for your loved one during the summer, the simplest thing to do is to talk about it: every situation is unique.
And the most effective protective measure is within everyone’s reach: a phone call on every hot day, or knocking on the door if there’s no answer. No matter the season, with or without air conditioning, the best protection is always the connection.
Sources: Santé publique France (provisional report, July 2026); Petits Frères des Pauvres, Oasis solidaire; UNCCAS, registry of vulnerable individuals; local press reports on initiatives at the nursing homes in Douai, Sautron, and Bergerac. The programs mentioned are subject to local conditions.
FAQ
What are the early signs of heatstroke in an older adult?
Unusual fatigue, headaches, dizziness, severe weakness, hot and dry skin, confusion, or incoherent speech should serve as warning signs. If your loved one has a high fever, loses consciousness, or seems disoriented, call 15 immediately.
How much water should an older adult drink during a heat wave?
As a general rule, it is recommended to drink regularly throughout the day, without waiting until you feel thirsty, as the sensation of thirst often diminishes with age. The amount may vary depending on the person’s health. If you have a chronic condition (such as heart failure or kidney failure), consult your doctor.
How can I tell if my parent is eligible for the Vulnerable Persons Registry?
Anyone aged 65 or older, or anyone over 60 who has been deemed unfit for work, as well as people with disabilities, can register at their local city hall. This service is free and ensures that you will be contacted in the event of a heat wave or other exceptional circumstances.
My loved one doesn't have air conditioning. What should I do?
Even without air conditioning, you can minimize the risks by keeping your home closed up during the day, ventilating it at night, using a fan with caution, regularly moisturizing your skin, and spending a few hours in an air-conditioned place (library, shopping mall, city hall, movie theater, etc.) on the hottest days.
Are you an employee?
Balancing work with caring for an elderly loved one during a heat wave can be a source of concern. Autonomia supports companies and their employees who are caregivers by helping them adapt the organization of in-home care, prepare for periods of extreme heat, and guide families toward the most appropriate solutions.
