Spotlight on: keeping care residents safe during a heatwave

Throughout this week’s heatwave, Brunelcare’s care teams have been working tirelessly to ensure that residents and colleagues are kept safe. With temperatures exceeding 35 degrees celsius in the areas in which we operate, we have adapted our usual procedures and routines to account for the impact of the extreme heat.

During warmer temperatures, ensuring proper hydration becomes even more important than usual. Our care homes have set up hydration stations around their sites, and are monitoring residents’ fluid intake carefully to prevent dehydration.

This is particularly crucial for the large number of residents we support who are living with a dementia, and may not be able to recognise or communicate that they are thirsty.

Additional fans have been supplied where needed to support residents’ comfort. Brunelcare has also taken a number of safety precautions during the heatwave, including putting regular minibus trips and outings on hold, and making sure that garden areas are being used with caution, to prevent residents being put at risk of overheating.

There have also been opportunities to have some fun whilst helping residents keep cool, by regularly handing out ice lollies and holding indoor paddling pool days.

Sandra Payne MBE, Brunelcare’s Director of Nursing and Care Services, said: “Teams across Brunelcare have been proactive and flexible in their approach and ensured that essential care and support has continued without compromising quality and safety.

“I want to say a massive and sincere thank you to all of our teams for everything they have been doing this week. You are what makes Brunelcare great!”

Although prolonged periods of extreme temperatures such as we’ve experienced this week are still unusual, they are becoming more common. This poses a challenge for providers like Brunelcare who operate a 24-7, year-round care service.

Brunelcare also provides care in three Extra Care Housing schemes and operates two Community Care Services, in Somerset and South Gloucestershire, with a large number of colleagues working remotely and providing care in people’s own homes. Teams have made sure every planned call is focused upon welfare and ensuring people are safe in the extreme temperatures, taking action to prevent heat increasing in people’s homes and advising on measures to keep cool.

Colleagues delivering care and support in the community have been encouraged to take regular breaks, stay hydrated, and maintain regular contact with their office so their wellbeing can be monitored and supported.

Well done to all of our colleagues working in Brunelcare’s care settings and services for the dedication and commitment they have shown in keeping some of our most vulnerable residents and clients safe and cool.