Beat the Heat: Preparing Long-Term Care Settings for Summer

• By: Maureen Carland
• On: 06/16/2026 11:52:06
• In: Quality/Regulatory

As summer approaches, long-term care providers must be ready to protect residents from the serious risks associated with extreme heat. Older adults are especially vulnerable — chronic medical conditions, medications, decreased mobility, and a reduced ability to regulate body temperature all increase the danger. Even brief exposure to high heat can put residents at risk when facilities aren't prepared.

Get Your Building Ready Now                                                                                                
Before temperatures climb, take care of the basics. Maintenance staff should complete preventive maintenance and seasonal inspections of HVAC systems to reduce the chance of unexpected failures during peak summer demand. Facility leadership should also review and update emergency preparedness plans to address heat emergencies and prolonged air conditioning outages. Key steps include:

• Verifying vendor relationships for HVAC repair
• Testing and servicing portable cooling equipment and fans
• Topping off emergency generator fuel supplies
• Confirming alternate care locations and evacuation agreements

Keeping Residents Cool and Hydrated                                                                                      
Once summer arrives, staff should closely monitor indoor temperatures throughout the building — with particular attention to resident sleeping rooms and areas with limited airflow. Some practical strategies:

• Offer cold water frequently and encourage residents to drink more than usual; don't wait for thirst to signal dehydration. For residents on fluid restrictions, consult their physician for hot-weather guidance.
• Keep blinds, curtains, and drapes closed in sun-facing areas of the building.
• Encourage loose, lightweight clothing and provide breathable bedding.
• Turn off lights and heat-producing appliances whenever possible.
• Limit outdoor and strenuous activities during peak heat hours.
• Move residents to cooler areas of the facility as needed.
• Increase observation rounds during heat events.
• Use fans when indoor temperatures are below 90°F — above 90°F, fans can actually raise body temperature rather than lower it.
• Consider a no-cook menu to reduce kitchen heat output.

Update Your Emergency Preparedness Plan                                                                             
As part of your annual Emergency Preparedness Program (EPP) review, make sure high heat and loss of air conditioning scenarios are fully addressed. A solid plan should include:

• Strategies for maintaining a safe, comfortable environment during outages
• Contact lists for HVAC vendors and emergency repair services
• Details of HVAC service agreements and backup options
• Evacuation contingency plans for extended air conditioning failures

Additional Resources                                                                                                                  
The CDC offers guidance on protecting people from extreme heat on their website, and the AHCA/NCAL website provides additional emergency preparedness tools and resources.

Preparing before the heat hits is the best way to protect residents, support staff, and avoid operational disruptions this summer.
 
Staff contact: mcarland[at]mehca.org