A Class Care Ltd has actioned their stay safe in the heat plan to protect the health and safety of their elderly.
The company immediately put in place their action following the announcements of the heat weave during the summer months.
A Class Care Ltd Action plan is involves alerting care givers on the dangers that the heatwave can cause to themselves and the clients.
Their plan is based on the advice issued by Public Health England (PHE) and is in place to ensure that care workers are aware of the dangers of high temperatures during this period. They will be made aware to look for signs such as:
Heat Stroke
Heat exhaustion
Children as well as the elderly are unable to adjust their bodies to sudden changes or rises in the heat temperature. They therefore need to support to avoid exhaustion especially our most vulnerable clients.
The company’s clients have been advised to drink plenty of fluids and to eat normally during the hot weather.
The following tips have been provided to the carer givers and clients:
1. Avoid the hottest times of the day (between 11am – 3pm) – Where possible when out try to find a shady spot.
2. Always keep hydrated – even if you’re not thirsty it’s important to drink plenty of water or fruit juice to replace fluids lost during sweating. Avoid caffeine or alcohol which increase dehydration.
3. Light clothing – choose clothing which is loose, lightweight, light coloured and breathable, such as a white linen or cotton shirt.
4. Cool down – take cool showers and baths when possible. If you’re out and about, use a cotton hankie soaked in cool water and place it on the back of your neck and on your wrists.
5. Cover up – in addition to wearing cooler clothing it’s also important to remember a hat. No matter whether it’s a cotton baseball cap or a straw boater, headwear will help to keep your face in the shade.
6. Pick the perfect spot – seek out the coolest areas of your home during warmer weather. Keep curtains and blinds closed to prevent sun heating up rooms, especially your bedroom.
7. If safe, leave windows open during the night.
8. Turn off non-essential lights and electrical items as this creates further heat.
For the care giver:
Always be vigilant – look out for signs of heat stroke/exhaustion. Some commons signs are hot and dry skin.
Paleness.
Rapid heart rate.
Muscle cramps.
Nausea and vomiting.
Disorientation and confusion.
Delirium.
Fainting or coma.
Immediate concerns should be raised with the emergency services and the companies emergency line.
The company directors response on the heat wave…
“Its of paramount importance that we safe guard our clients during this time and that of our carers. We encourage both our carer and client’s to drink plenty of fluids and recognise the signs of heat stroke. The common cause of sickness during this time is dehydration. We aim to prevent this from occurring by supporting and educating our clients/carers on the effects of dehydration”.
