Preparing For Winter in Adult Social Care

As temperatures cool and nights draw in, it is the time of year that adult social care providers start planning ahead for winter. This time of year is known for an increase in viruses and infections, many of which can be deadly to the people the sector supports, so it is vital that the correct measures are in place to protect those who use and work in adult social care services.

While care providers will have policies and procedures for infection prevention control already in place, it is always important to make sure they are up to date and effective, so here we share some considerations when looking to the winter ahead.

Staying Warm

The first thing to note is that people are more susceptible to illness when they are cold, and as temperatures drop this can put people at risk. Keeping people warm in winter is vital in protecting those who might be more likely to develop complications from illnesses such as flu and Covid-19. Older people and people with learning disabilities and long-term health conditions fall into this category.

The UK Government advises that indoor temperatures should be kept to a minimum of 18 degrees centigrade and that people should be encouraged to wear several thin layers of clothing rather than one thick layer. These simple steps are an easy way to keep vulnerable people healthy in winter.

Infection Prevention

As well as ensuring that people are living in a warm environment, care providers must also look at their infection prevention measures. This includes the basics such as handwashing as well as more clinical steps like ensuring everyone has the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) for preventing the spread of infections.

Almost all providers will have thorough policies on this since the Covid-19 pandemic, however Management must be confident that all staff understand the vital importance of infection prevention and are vigilant in following the steps that should be taken. It is also sensible to share tips with the people you support, so that they can play a role in reducing the spread of infection too. With proper procedures being followed correctly, outbreaks of illness can be contained and people can be protected from viruses.

Vaccines

The third thing to which providers should turn their attention is vaccines. All social care staff are entitled to vaccines each year. These not only help to stop staff becoming unwell, meaning that there’s less sick time to cover, but also contribute to ensuring people being supported by the sector don’t become unwell too.

For more information on what vaccines people are entitled to, this article in CMM, written by the UK Health Security Agency, outlines the main three vaccines that are available to people using and working for adult care services, and the dates on which these vaccines become available in 2024.

It should also be noted that vaccines are available for informal carers as well, and it is worth passing this information on to any family members of the people you support in case they aren’t already aware.

Well-Trained Carers

Ensuring that care workers are up to date with relevant high-quality training is of the highest importance throughout the year, but especially so during the winter months when infections are more widespread and contained within indoor spaces.

Having robust policies and procedures in place alongside well-trained staff will help to significantly reduce the spread of infections and help to keep vulnerable people safe during the colder months.

There is no one way to entirely stop people from contracting viruses and infections, but with the right measures, reduction of the spread of these illnesses is often achievable.

For more information and support with operating your adult social care business, visit the CMM website, where you’ll find features, podcasts, blogs and events to help you stay one step ahead.

For more information on Infection Control training please see:

Infection Control - Social Care TV (social-care.tv)

 

Article by Care Management Matters, adapted for Social Care TV