Hot summer When more drinking doesn't help: Building heat measurements for homes

Heatwaves pose new challenges for elderly care homes, with residents increasingly affected by rising temperatures. In response, long-term structural measures are being considered to improve living conditions during hot summers. While immediate solutions such as cool foot baths and light meals offer temporary relief, experts emphasize the need for more permanent adaptations to ensure comfort and safety. The situation has become particularly pressing this summer, with heat affecting older individuals disproportionately. Care home staff have implemented basic cooling strategies, including damp cloths and shaded areas, to provide immediate respite. However, these methods are limited in their effectiveness over time. Thomas Jenni, a board member of the Solothurnische Alters- und Pflegeheime community, highlights that while current practices help, they are insufficient for sustained protection against extreme heat. Long-term solutions require significant investment and planning. Structural improvements such as insulation, roof modifications, and shading devices are necessary but complex. These changes depend on individual circumstances, including whether the facility is privately or publicly funded and the condition of existing buildings. Viviane Stehrenberger from the Aargauer Gesundheitsverband Vaka notes that financial responsibility lies with the facilities themselves, though adequate compensation for services must be ensured. Efforts to expedite approval processes for such projects have gained traction. Jenni advocates for shorter planning procedures, arguing that faster approvals would significantly aid in implementing necessary upgrades without burdening taxpayers. Although direct financial support would be beneficial, streamlined administrative processes could make a substantial difference. Adjustments to local plans, such as solar installations or tree removal, often involve extensive bureaucratic hurdles. In contrast, some newer facilities have already integrated heat management into their design from the outset. The Herosé nursing home in Aarau, which opened in March, exemplifies this approach. Built to the Minergie-Eco standard, the building avoids traditional air conditioning systems instead relying on passive cooling techniques. Automated sun shades and active ventilation maintain indoor temperatures between 24 and 25 degrees Celsius. This design ensures consistent comfort without compromising energy efficiency. The facility utilizes a combination of remote cooling and ground heating systems to further enhance thermal regulation. According to Heimleiter Rupert Studer, these systems allow for additional cooling capacity, although they were not required this summer. Residents retain autonomy in managing their environment, with the option to fully open windows and adjust sun blinds individually. This flexibility underscores the importance of personal choice in maintaining well-being during heatwaves. As the region continues to experience record-breaking temperatures, the demand for adaptive housing solutions grows. While immediate interventions remain crucial, the focus is shifting toward sustainable, long-term strategies that prioritize both comfort and environmental considerations. The experiences of facilities like Herosé highlight the potential benefits of integrating climate resilience into future developments.