Having spent many years as a Registered Manager before moving into training, I know that hot weather brings extra pressure to an already demanding role.
When temperatures rise, so do our responsibilities. We’re thinking about hydration, medication, staffing, risk assessments, activities, room temperatures and keeping everyone safe and comfortable, while still supporting our teams and managing our own workload.
But challenging times also provide opportunities.
One of the things I loved most about managing a care service was seeing a team pull together. Hot weather is a chance to strengthen that teamwork. It’s not just about encouraging people to drink more – it’s about creating a culture where everyone looks after one another.
Hydration can become part of everyday conversations rather than another task. Sharing a cold drink, enjoying fresh fruit, making smoothies or sitting together in the garden can make drinking more enjoyable and encourage people to stay hydrated naturally.
Activities don’t need to stop in the heat; they simply need adapting. Music, reminiscence, arts and crafts, gentle indoor games or relaxing in shaded outdoor spaces can all promote wellbeing while keeping people safe.
Of course, residents aren’t the only people we need to care for.
Staff are working hard in warm environments, often supporting people with complex needs. Simple actions such as encouraging regular drink breaks, rotating physically demanding tasks and checking in with colleagues can make a real difference.
Visitors, contractors and healthcare professionals also become part of that caring culture. Offering a cold drink or simply acknowledging the heat helps create a welcoming environment for everyone.
Perhaps the biggest lesson I learned as a Registered Manager was not to forget myself.
Managers are often the last people they think about. We remind everyone else to drink water and take breaks while forgetting to do the same ourselves. Yet we cannot lead effectively if we’re exhausted or dehydrated. Looking after yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s part of being an effective leader.
Good leadership during hot weather isn’t about doing everything yourself. It’s about creating an environment where everyone works together to provide outstanding care.
Top 10 tips for hot weather
- Encourage everyone to offer drinks regularly throughout the day.
- Make hydration enjoyable with fruit, smoothies, ice lollies or mocktails.
- Adapt activities by using cooler indoor areas or shaded outdoor spaces.
- Monitor room temperatures and use curtains, ventilation and fans safely.
- Support staff with regular breaks and wellbeing check-ins.
- Involve the whole team, including housekeeping, catering and maintenance.
- Consider individual health conditions, medications and personal preferences.
- Keep staff, visitors and families informed about any temporary changes.
- Remember your own wellbeing—drink plenty, eat well and delegate where appropriate.
- Celebrate the positives by creating enjoyable summer moments together.
Hot weather will always bring challenges, but it also highlights the very best of social care: teamwork, kindness, creativity and compassion.
Remember, great leadership isn’t measured by how much you do alone. It’s measured by how well you bring people together. When we care for ourselves and each other, everyone benefits.