Home Instead - Hammersmith & Chiswick

When trying to cool down a room without air conditioning, many brits will unintentionally make the room even hotter. Follow these steps instead:

1. Keep blinds closed during the day
Especially on sun-facing windows. Light-coloured blackout curtains or reflective blinds work best.

2. Open windows only when it’s cooler outside
Usually early morning, late evening, and overnight. During the hottest part of the day, keeping windows open can make the room hotter.

3. Create cross-ventilation
Open windows on opposite sides of the home if possible. If there’s only one window, open the door and use a fan to pull air through.

4. Use a fan properly
A fan cools you, not the room. Put it near you, or place it by a window in the evening to pull cooler air in. If the room is hotter than outside, face the fan inward from the window. If the room is stuffy and warmer inside, face it outward to exhaust hot air.

5. Put a bowl of ice or cold water in front of a fan
Not magic, but it can make the airflow feel cooler for a while.

6. Turn off heat-producing devices
Lamps, games consoles, PCs, TVs, ovens and even chargers add heat. Use LED bulbs and avoid cooking indoors during heatwaves where possible.

7. Cool your body directly
Cold shower, damp flannel on neck/wrists, light cotton clothing, feet in cool water, chilled water bottle near you.

8. Use bedding that breathes
Cotton or linen sheets. Avoid heavy duvets. A thin sheet is often enough in summer.

9. Stop heat rising from outside surfaces
If the sun hits the window hard, external shading helps more than internal curtains: an awning, shade cloth, reflective window film, or even temporary cardboard/foil outside the window if you’re desperate.

10. Reduce humidity
If it’s humid, avoid drying clothes indoors and keep bathroom/kitchen steam contained. A dehumidifier can make a room feel cooler, though it does produce some heat.

Around 60 million people worldwide are living with dementia.

Behind that number are parents, partners, grandparents, friends and neighbours; real people with real lives

This Dementia Awareness Week, we’re reminded that dementia does not just affect memory. It can affect confidence, independence, communication, safety and family life.

At Home Instead Hammersmith & Chiswick, we support people living with dementia to remain safe, comfortable and connected at home - with care built around the person, not just the condition.

If you’re worried about a loved one, even a small conversation can be the first step.

Join us at the Adult Health and Social Care Jobs Fair next week! We can't wait to see some of you there.

📍 Venue: 245 Hammersmith Road, London W6 8PW
🕥 Date: Wednesday, 20th May 2026 | 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM

'Over the past few years, my mum has been visiting our great aunt — Ciocia — every week at a local Polish care home, where she received end-of-life care after developing dementia. I would visit too whenever I returned home from university. Watching someone you love slowly change due to dementia is incredibly difficult, and it’s something that stays with you.

Ciocia Mila was a brave, courageous, and incredibly kind woman. She touched so many lives and was known as “Ciocia” (Aunty) to everyone — so much so that many people thought it was her real name! Her life was one of strength and resilience, growing up during the Second World War in Poland, the fled to Austria with her mother and then displaced in Italy for a while. Eventually after living in South Africa for a while she settled in London, where she worked in the International Institute of Strategic Studies, as well as doing a lot of voluntary work for Polish charity organisations.

Despite life’s challenges, she remained bright and full of spirit. Even as dementia took hold following a fall during COVID, her feisty and headstrong personality continued to shine through. She found comfort in simple things — her ornaments, photo albums filled with memories, and being surrounded by love. As her condition progressed and words began to fail her, her laughter never did. Even when she could no longer remember our names, she would hold our hands tightly, and her smile meant everything to us. She would still light up during our visits, reminding us of the wonderful person she always was.

Ciocia Mila sadly passed away this December, leaving behind many cherished memories for all who knew her. We are incredibly grateful for the time we had with her.

Through our personal experiences — both through work and recently other family members — we have seen how deeply dementia affects not only individuals, but entire families. It can be overwhelming, isolating, and heartbreaking.

That’s why we want to do something to help.

This June, my mum and I are going to be completing a Sprint Triathlon to raise awareness for dementia and support those affected by it.

We are raising funds to support dementia awareness, improve access to care, and contribute towards vital research that can change lives. Every donation, no matter how small, will help support those living with dementia and the people who care for them.

Thank you so much for your support — it truly means the world to us!'

To donate, click the link below:

https://gofund.me/902bee59c

Wishing a very happy Easter Sunday to all of our wonderful clients as well as our incredible team of carers! How will you be celebrating? Let us know in the comments below.

We are now sponsoring Love Your Weekend! Have you seen our advert on TV or online? What did you think?

We’re proud of the many Care Professionals who are part of the Home Instead family: compassionate people who are dedicated to their roles.

Looking for outstanding care for you or a loved one? Click the link below.

https://www.homeinstead.co.uk/care-enquiry/

Thank you to everyone we saw at today's recruitment drive! Looking for a role in care near Chiswick? We want to hear from you! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1bnP6HGex6UMyvvsOuO8MeRVg3iUVLcm2BirJyVBSrdw/edit?ts=69397b9d

Thank you to everyone who attended our 3 day training last week!

It's always a pleasure to see lots of new faces and to continue to grow our incredible team.

Looking to start a career in care? We want to hear from you!