Shrewsbury based care provider issues important advice for caring on elderly and vulnerable people in extreme temperatures

With the news that the Met Office has issued a Level 3 heat wave alert for the region, a leading Shropshire care company is taking steps to ensure clients and staff remain safe and urging people to check on anyone they know who may be vulnerable.

High Temperatures

High temperatures are expected to continue across much of England over the next few days and Bluebird Care Shropshire, based in Shrewsbury and covering Church Stretton, Much Wenlock, Oswestry and the areas in between, is asking its care workers to make extra checks to ensure that any vulnerable customers are safe.

Staff looking after elderly, disabled and vulnerable people in their own homes are being asked to share sun safety messages, make sure room temperatures are set below 26 degrees and ensure clients they have access to cold water and ice.

The company is also sending out top tips to staff to keep themselves and customers cool in the hot weather.

Guidelines

Claire Flavell, Bluebird Care Manager, said; “People should follow guidelines on how to keep safe in the sunshine; seeking shade, using sun block and wearing suitable clothing and sunglasses if outdoors for more than 20 minutes.

“Even if temperatures do not hit 'extreme' levels, people are still advised to keep safe in the sun, seek shade to cool down and keep hydrated with plenty of cool fluids. Elderly people are particularly vulnerable in this weather and our staff will be carrying out and making extra checks in these conditions:”

Top advice for being sun safe:

*Try to keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm

*Wear sunscreen

*Wear loose cotton clothing

*Drink lots of cool drinks

*Seek shade

*Wear sunglasses and a hat

*Look out for others especially vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children and babies and those with serious illnesses

*Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.

More advice

Claire added: “We look after people who wish to remain in their own homes and keep their independence, but it’s important to remember that it can get uncomfortably hot indoors too.

“Try to keep bedrooms and living space cool by closing the curtains on windows that receive the sun and opening windows at cooler times of the day and overnight when you can. Turn off non-essential lights and electrical items as these generate heat.

“Anyone who knows any vulnerable person living at home should take the extra time to check on them in this current weather.”

If you need any further advice or help, please call Bluebird Care Shropshire, on 01743 874343 or email Shropshire@bluebirdcare.co.uk or visit the web link above.