Extreme cold temperatures in domiciliary care: the study

The aim of this study was to explore client and care worker risks and preparedness for cold weather, with a view to identifying mitigations and incorporating these into advice and cold weather planning. Mortality is significantly higher during the winter months (December to March) in the UK when compared to other seasons. On average there are around 35,000 EWDs each year in England and Wales but this does tend to fluctuate, sometimes by a large amount. Registered providers of domiciliary care (personal care at home) travel between clients’ homes in all weathers, and work with clients in a wide range of risk profiles from cold weather. These may relate to the home environment, or underlying health issues. 

The findings from this publication indicate there are some key areas that would help in particular:

• Facilitating communication within communities by providing key contacts of local authorities, local charities, community hubs and contacts other care organisations;
• Provide a specific ‘emergency response’ plan for unexpected, severe wintry weather and within this, provide clearer guidance here on best practice and how to ensure this coordination works;
• Helping to push the ‘local carers for local clients’ agenda that some local authorities are pursuing.