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Heatwaves in Care Homes Policy

Policy Statement

This policy sets out the values, principles and procedures underpinning {{org_field_name}}’s approach to heatwaves.

{{org_field_name}} recognises that heatwaves are becoming increasingly common in the UK and can present a serious risk, especially to the elderly and the infirm.

{{org_field_name}} has put this policy and procedure in place to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses in service users.

Definition

A heatwave is defined as an extended period of abnormally high temperatures.

This policy is underpinned by national guidance on the measures to be taken by care providers to ensure the safety of service users when heatwaves occur.

Heatwave Policy

{{org_field_name}} recognises that the following service users are considered to be high-risk groups in terms of vulnerability in heatwave conditions:

• the elderly (especially females over 75)
• those on certain types of medication such as diuretics or on multiple medications
• people with chronic or severe physical or mental illness such as:
a) respiratory disease
b) cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions
c) diabetes and obesity
d) severe mental illness
e) Parkinson’s disease and difficulties with mobility
f) renal insufficiency
g) peripheral vascular conditions
h) Alzheimer’s or related diseases.

To protect such service users from the effects of heat, in {{org_field_name}}, a series of preparations will be carried out each year by the end of May. {{org_field_name}} manager, or a delegated member of staff, will:

1. ensure that appropriate business continuity plans are in place
2. liaise with partner agencies and local emergency planning resilience groups
3. check that all windows can be shaded, by curtains if possible (metal blinds can make the problem worse) and check that there are no problems with opening windows (security and safety)
4. check that the air conditioning system is serviced regularly and in good working order
5. identify or create “cool rooms” or “cool areas” which can be maintained below 26°C
6. check that staff know which rooms are easy to keep cool and those that are difficult to cool and review the distribution of service users around the building accordingly
7. check that there are adequate numbers of fans, thermometers and water sprays
8. make sure that water, ice and cold drinks are always available and that fridges and freezers are working properly
9. liaise with the kitchen staff to adapt menus for hot weather, providing cold meals, salads and fruit — in consultation with service users
10. plan ahead to ensure that extra care and support for people at risk can be accessed, by recalling staff on holiday or getting extra help from volunteers and residents’ relatives
11. review all care plans to identify which service users are most at risk and speak to care staff and ask them if any changes to medication or treatment would be needed in a heatwave
12. ensure that protocols are in place to monitor at-risk service users
13. check residents have cool, comfortable clothing suitable for hot weather.

The duty manager will monitor the Met Office and local news for heatwave warnings and will be responsible for fully implementing the Public Health England Heatwave Plan. In {{org_field_name}}, all heatwave warnings will be taken seriously and appropriate action taken.

At level 2, where a heatwave is predicted, the home will:

1. Check indoor temperatures are recorded regularly during the hottest periods for all areas where residents reside
2. Ensure cool areas are below 26°c
3. Review and prioritise high-risk people
4. Ensure sufficient cold water and ice
5. Consider weighing service users regularly to identify dehydration
6. Reschedule activities such as exercise and physiotherapy to cooler times

In the event of a heatwave (Level 3 or 4 according to the Heat-Health Watch alert system), the following measures will be taken.

1. Business continuity plans will be activated and managers will continue to monitor information from the Met Office and public health agencies.
2. Staff should check indoor temperatures are recorded regularly during the hottest periods for all areas where service users reside — they should ensure cool areas are below 26°C.
3. {{org_field_name}} manager will check that all staff know the specific symptoms of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
4. Staff should monitor vulnerable service users, including checking their fluid intake and weight regularly.
5. Staff should try to make the home as cool as possible by keeping curtains and windows closed during the hottest hours and then opening windows once the temperature outside has dropped.
6. Service users should be discouraged from going outside or from any physical activity during the hottest part of the day (11am to 3pm).
7. Service users should be encouraged to reduce the risk of heatstroke by remaining in the cooler parts of the building if possible, wearing loose, cotton clothing, drinking lots of fluids (but avoiding caffeine, very sweet drinks and alcohol), and also regularly spraying exposed parts of the body with cool water.
8. Service users who are finding it difficult to cope with the heat should be moved to a “cool room” or “cool area” and staff should arrange for cool showers to be available.
9. Staff should check that any discharge planning takes home temperatures and support into account.
10. If a service user is suspected of having heatstroke, staff should call 999 immediately and while waiting for an ambulance they should:
    a. move the person to a cooler place, if possible
    b. increase ventilation by opening windows or using a fan
    c. cool the person down by sprinkling them with cool water, wrapping them in a damp sheet or giving them a cool shower
    d. encourage the person to drink fluids if they are conscious
    e. never give aspirin or paracetamol.

Training

All staff should be encouraged to read the policy on heatwaves as part of their induction. Annual refresher training will take place in the springtime on heatwave procedures.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}

Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}

Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}

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