We are required by the government to produce contingency plans which consider how care and support will be provided to those who are the most vulnerable living in the community.
If you are a client, you will have already had your Winter Pressures letter from us detailing those plans and the risk to and impact on you if we need to activate those plans.
We always aim for any disruption to your service to be as short and minimal as possible but need to have these plans in place to ensure that clients that have no natural support are prioritized in the event of an emergency.
Get winter ready – Clients
Where possible have at least one hot meal a day especially with vegetables which hold nutritional value which will nourish the body
Drink warm drinks
Draft proof around windows, external doors and letterboxes
Consider the layout of the room you spend the most time in, are the radiators exposed or is there furniture blocking them? Consider discussing this with your staff to maximise heat generation from the radiator.
Consider using a small room which will retain more heat
Close the doors of unused rooms
Keep moving. If you struggle with mobility, perhaps wiggle their fingers and toes, this helps prevent blood clots.
Items to wear/use
Layers
Long johns or layer up on tights
Fleece or wool pyjamas
Fingerless gloves
Wear a hat inside
Higher tog duvet
Flannel sheets/fleece bedding
Get winter ready - Staff
As well as using the above advice for your own home and your client’s home, you should also:
· Leave extra time for journeys
· Check tyre pressure and oil level in vehicle
· Inspect all lights on the vehicle
Stay safe this winter everyone.
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