“Gosh, It’s hot!” - 5 cool care home activities to beat the heat

When temperatures rise, keeping residents safe, cool, and comfortable becomes the top priority.

But that doesn’t mean activity planning has to grind to a halt.

In fact, with a little creativity, you can turn a hot day into a refreshing opportunity for fun, sensory engagement and, most importantly, hydration.

Here are five cool activity ideas that are gentle, inclusive, and especially suitable for older people, including those living with dementia.

1. Mocktail making & tasting session

Create a hydration station with jugs of fruit-infused water, chilled herbal teas, and a few easy mocktail options such as elderflower fizz, minty cucumber spritz, or a fruity “summer punch.”

Let residents join in by choosing garnishes (slices of citrus, berries, sprigs of mint) and help name the drinks.

You can even turn it into a mini taste-testing event and vote for the “resident favourite”!

Benefits:

• Encourages fluid intake in a fun, flavourful way

• Great for sensory stimulation and reminiscing

• Easily adapted for different ability levels

2. Cold flannel spa experience

Offer a calming pamper session using soft flannels soaked in cool (not cold) water, scented with lavender, rose, or lemon balm. Residents can enjoy them on their necks or wrists while seated.

Add a gentle hand massage with cooling lotion or aloe gel for a full mini spa experience.

Benefits:

• Provides soothing relief from the heat

• Encourages touch and sensory engagement

• Ideal for residents who enjoy quiet experiences in their own room

3. Frozen fruit tasting & smoothie station

Frozen fruit like grapes, melon, or pineapple chunks make delicious cooling snacks. Alternatively, set up a smoothie-making activity using yoghurt, banana, or frozen berries. Residents can choose their ingredients and enjoy the process as much as the drink!

Benefits:

• Nutritional, hydrating and fun

• Great for tactile involvement and choosing preferences

• Can easily be adjusted for texture modifications

4. Indoor seaside day

Can’t take them to the beach? Bring the beach indoors!

Set the scene with blue tablecloths, seaside soundtracks, sun hats, and fans to create a breeze.

Offer ice lollies or seaside treats such as cockles, and run a sea-themed quiz or storytelling session.

If appropriate and safe, offer a gentle foot soak in a shallow bowl of water to mimic paddling in the sea - a big hit for sensory memory.

Benefits:

• Evokes positive memories of seaside trips

• Multi-sensory and inclusive

• Easily tailored for small groups or room visits

5. Cool watercolour painting

Watercolour is a lovely, low-pressure art activity - perfect for warm days.

Use cool-toned palettes (blues, purples, greens) and invite residents to paint simple summer scenes: skies, seas, or shady gardens.

Keep the room airy and serve chilled drinks during the session.

Benefits:

• Calm and creative outlet

• Good for hand-eye coordination

• Encourages mindfulness and conversation

Don’t Forget:

• Keep jugs of water or chilled juice nearby for every session

• Offer extra drinks before, during, and after activities

• Create shady spots and use portable fans if needed

• Be flexible - shorter sessions may be better on very hot days

  
  
  
  

  Even when it’s boiling outside, your activities can still be brilliant.

  These simple ideas help residents stay cool, hydrated, and meaningfully engaged - the perfect recipe for summer wellbeing.