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Important Reminder for Aged Care Providers in Warmer Weather (Residential Care)

In this section:

Directors of Nursing and Care Managers

Residential Aged Care Homes

Dear Directors of Nursing and Care Managers,

Important Reminder for Aged Care Providers in Warmer Weather

It is likely that most states will experience much warmer weather from January to March 2011, and that all of Australia will have warmer night time temperatures. I would like to remind you of the impact that this weather may have on the older people in your care and the extra precautions and interventions that may be needed.

When we experience long periods of unaccustomed high temperatures, residents are among those most at risk of heat-related illness. Due to normal age-related changes to the body, older people may not recognise that they are overheated and therefore may not complain about being hot or request additional fluids. To assist the comfort of residents and for you to meet the requirements of the Aged Care Act 1997, particularly Outcome 2 ‘Health and Personal Care’ and Outcome 4 ‘Physical Environment and Safe Systems’ of the Accreditation Standards you need to:
      • ensure that the temperature in residents’ rooms and within the facility is kept comfortable, keeping curtains and blinds closed to reduce excess heat;
      • use portable air conditioners, coolers and fans if the building is not air-conditioned, (remembering that the use of fans in an overheated environment can make dehydration worse);
      • ensure small amounts of fluids are readily available, rather than large amounts of fluids less frequently;
      • offer residents alternative forms of fluid, such as jelly, ice-cream or fruit juice blocks and discourage alcoholic or caffeinated beverages;
      • provide residents with frequent small meals;
      • assist residents to keep skin covered when exposed to direct sunlight and to wear loose fitting clothing;
      • avoid taking residents outside between 11am and 3pm;
      • offer tepid showers or sponging; and
      • observe for signs of heat stress, such as nausea or changes in appearance including red/pale or severely dry skin.
A clinical assessment will be required if a resident shows any signs of deterioration.

The effects of heat-related illnesses can range from mild conditions such as a rash or cramps to very serious conditions such as severe confusion or heat stroke. Older people are more likely to have a chronic medical condition and to be taking medication that may interfere with the body’s ability to regulate fluid. Heat may also worsen the condition of someone who already has a medical condition such as heart disease.

Special note about medicines

Some medicines are capable of increasing the risk of heat-associated illness in susceptible people. These include:
      • medicines that cause dehydration or electrolyte imbalance;
      • medicines likely to reduce renal function; and
      • medicines that interfere with the production or regulation of heat.
It may be worth a careful review of medication for residents, to assess the risks and benefits of any changes to their medication regimen. A discussion with a pharmacist or the resident’s general practitioner may be helpful.

If you are concerned about a resident’s wellbeing, his or her general practitioner should be immediately contacted.

Susan Hunt, RN, PhD, FRCNA
Senior Nurse Advisor
Office of Aged Care Quality and Compliance
7 January 2011