{{org_field_logo}}

{{org_field_name}}

---

Heatwaves in Care Homes Policy

Policy Statement

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

The home believes that a policy and procedure should be in place to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses in service users.

Aim of the Policy

This policy is intended to set out the values, principles and policies underpinning this home’s approach to heatwaves.

Heatwave Policy

A series of preparations will be carried out each year by the end of May. The care home manager, or a delegated member of staff, will:

1. 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)
2. check that the air conditioning system is serviced regularly and in good working order
3. 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
4. check that there are adequate numbers of fans, thermometers and water sprays.
5. make sure that water, ice and cold drinks are always available and that fridges and freezers are working properly
6. liaise with the kitchen staff to adapt menus for hot weather, providing cold meals, salads and fruit – in consultation with service users.
7. 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
8. review all care plans to identify which residents are most at risk and speak to primary care staff and ask them if any changes to medication or treatment would be needed in a heatwave
9. ensure protocols are in place to monitor at risk service users
10. check residents have cool, comfortable clothing suitable for hot weather.

The care home manager will monitor the Met Office for heatwave warnings and will be responsible for fully implementing the Department of Health Heatwave Plan which warns that heatwaves can happen suddenly, and rapid rises in temperature affect vulnerable people very rapidly.

The plan states that adult social care managers should make as much use as possible of existing care plans to assess which individuals are at particular risk, and to identify what extra help they might need. In this home all heatwave warnings will be taken seriously and appropriate action taken. In {{org_field_name}}, all heatwave warnings will be taken seriously and appropriate action taken.

In the event of a heatwave the following measures will be taken.

1. {{org_field_name}} manager will check that all staff know the specific symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
2. Staff should monitor fluid intake and weight regularly.
3. 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.
4. Residents should be discouraged from going outside or from any physical activity during the hottest part of the day (11am to 3pm).
5. Residents 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.
6. Staff should set up a “cool room” or area and arrange for cool baths and showers to be available
7. If a resident 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 process. Annual refresher training will take place in the springtime on heatwave procedures.

---

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}}

Copyright ©2024 {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved