Cold weather - advice on staying well

Supporting Customers During Adverse Weather Conditions

1.

Ensure heating systems (including thermostats) and gas appliances are safe and functioning property. It is recommend that boilers are serviced yearly and any necessary surveys and/or repairs are carried out as soon as possible, ideally prior to winter starting (1^st Nov). Gas heating must be serviced by a qualified Gas safe-registered engineer. Cookers and ovens should not be used as a method to heat the home. Check that the water stopcock is easily accessible in the event that water pipes burst and the mains supply needs to be switched off.

2.

Customers who are at risk during the winter months can register with utility companies as a priority customer. This will ensure they are prioritised during any power outage. For those that are reluctant to, or have financial concerns over sufficiently heating their homes over the winter period, make sure they claim all the financial support they can to help with heating bills e.g. call the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 0345 915 1515 to claim fuel credits (automatically eligible if you are receiving the state pension). Contact Age UK Nottingham on 0115 844 0011 or Notts County Council on 0300 500 8080 for further advice.

3.

For Customers who rely on electricity for medical devices such as airflow mattresses, stand-aids or hoists, provisions should be made for emergency backup power. This should form part of the Care Plan. Electric blankets should be used as instructed and serviced every 3 years. Never use a hot water bottle with an electric blanket.

4.

Ensure radiators and fire openings are not blocked or restricted by coverings or furniture. Equally though, maximise customer safety by ensuring they do not sit too close to heat emitting sources e.g. use a heat guard to prevent burns and chilblains (itchy red swellings that occur when skin gets cold and is warmed up too quickly). If a customer develops chilblains, dab the swellings with calamine or witch hazel to reduce the itching. Avoid scratching which could cause infection.

5.

The Bluebird Care office will store a small emergency supply of salt and sand to put on steps or paths surrounding the premises (stored in yellow bin at the back of the office building). Customers should be advised to do the same. Notts County Council can provide free bags in certain areas with ample notice. If this is not possible or appropriate, try a local DIY store.

6.

Support Customers to order repeat prescriptions in plenty of time, particularly if a long spell of bad weather is forecast. Keep simple cold, flu and sore throat remedies in the house. Speak to the pharmacist about delivery and pick-up services if required.

7.

Test all Customer home smoke alarms and Lifeline pendants to check that they are in good working order. If unsure, speak to their family and/or the office team. Contact the Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service on 01623 825516 for a free home fire safety check. Carbon Monoxide alarms should be installed in each room that has a gas or solid-fuel burning appliance.

8.

Consider taking vitamin D supplement during the winter months to promote healthy bones, teeth and muscles. There is also evidence to suggest that it helps combat SADS (Seasonal Affect Disorder Syndrome) which affects the mental well-being of many during the dark, short winter days. The sun isn’t strong enough in the UK during winter to stimulate our bodies to make vitamin D organically. Likewise, it is hard to achieve the optimum amounts in food. Speak to the GP for further advice.

9.

Encourage the Customer to draw their curtains at dusk and keep doors closed to block out draughts. See Age Uk’s ‘Save energy, pay less’ guide for tips on insulating and draught proofing a home or check with the Customer’s energy supplier to see whether they have further advice to help prepare for winter. Common suggestions include cavity wall insulation, insulating the loft, draught-proofing windows, lag the hot-water tank and pipes.

10.

Ensure the Customer has access to regular hot drinks and eat at least one hot meal a day if possible. Eating regularly helps keep energy levels up during winter.

11.

Support the Customer to choose appropriate clothes for the weather, wear several light layers of warm clothes (rather than one chunky layer). Cotton and wool based fabrics are the most comfortable and insulating.

12.

If the Customer goes out of the home, encourage them to wrap up warm and wear shoes with a good grip on cold days.

13.

Where possible and safe to do so support the Customer to keep as active in the home as possible. Staying active is not only essential for general wellbeing and fitness – it also generates heat and helps to keep individuals warm. Where possible staff will support and/or remind Customers to keep active and to move at least every hour as a minimum. Staff will support Customers to choose appropriate clothes and footwear appropriate to the weather conditions and also prevent the risk of slips, trips and falls.

14.

If the Customer has reduced mobility, are 65 or over, or has a health condition such as heart or lung disease, they should heat the home to at least 18C. It's a good idea to keep the bedroom at this temperature all night if they can and make sure they wear enough clothes to stay warm. During the day, they may prefer the living room to be slightly warmer, ideally 21C.

15.

If the Customer is under 65 and healthy and active, they can safely have your house cooler than 18C, if that is more comfortable.

16.

Food is a vital source of energy and helps to keep the body warm so Bluebird Care (Rushcliffe & Melton) will ensure the nutrition and hydration is considered within the Care Plan and is reviewed where appropriate to ensure the Customer has plenty of hot food and drinks in line with their agreed plan and dietary needs. Keep extra food items in the cupboard or freezer in case it’s too cold to go shopping. You could order online and have it directly delivered to the front door.

17.

Bluebird Care (Rushcliffe & Melton) should make sure staff are aware of the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations for the temperature in a home - the main living room should be heated to 70F/21C, and the rest of the home heated to at least 64F/18C.

18.

Staff also need to be aware their view of the temperature in a home may be different from the Customer, as staff are mobile and usually performing physical tasks that may keep them warmer and less aware of the temperature.

19.

In addition, elderly, infirm or ill Customers may require a higher ambient temperature than normal to maintain functions.

20.

Where a Customer lacks capacity or anyone to advocate on their behalf, the manager should consider a best interest decision to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the Customer.

21.

Bluebird Care (Rushcliffe & Melton) should support Customer's to access GP vaccination programmes including the flu vaccine and ‘pneumo’ jab (one-off vaccination that protects against pneumonia, meningitis, and septicaemia).

22.

Practice good hand hygiene – a simple way to prevent the spread of colds and flu. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water and use disposable gloves when required. Clean surfaces such as door handles, telephones, worktops to eliminate germs. Use tissues or the inside of your elbow to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Respiratory screening masks are available for use – please collect from the office.