Source: NICE/SCIE
For vulnerable people, living in a cold home increases the chance of serious illness or death. They are also at a higher risk of a heart attack or stroke, breathing problems, flu, depression and falls.
Care home and Homecare managers, as well as staff, can play an important role in preventing harm caused by a lack of heating by ensuring staff can recognise people at risk and how to document and share concerns appropriately.
A new NICE/SCIE quick guide explains how some simple preventative actions can help to save people’s lives. The guide covers:
- Recognising a hard-to-heat home
- Identifying those most at risk
- Making every contact count
- Being part of a successful discharge home