Managing older people's health during heatwaves

The Department of Health and Aged Care is reminding providers to prepare for managing the health of older people during heatwaves.

Severe heatwaves are likely to be a part of this high-risk weather season, and heatwaves affect the health of older people more than other groups, the Department said in a statement.

“Older people often suffer more seriously from heat stress and dehydration. This can be because of pre-existing conditions and even some medications. If there are more of these factors, the worse the effect could be,” the statement said.

The Department has released new guidance to help providers review and update plans, including checklists for residential aged care, and home and community care.

During the high-risk weather season, which runs from October to April, aged care services and aged care homes are more likely to experience evacuations; staff shortages; power and system failures; and restricted access to essential supplies.

An emergency management plan enables providers to ensure safe service delivery during an emergency. It allows providers to consider risks to residents and staff, and the steps required to reduce those risks, according to the Department.

Planning helps providers assess the impacts of identified risks to staff, family and older people at all stages of an emergency, the Department said, noting that providers must review and update their emergency management plan every year. Safe Work Australia provides advice on how to prepare an emergency management plan, including a template. Local agencies and emergency management groups can also help providers prepare.

The Department has developed three checklists of activities to help providers prepare:

• Preparing for an Emergency Event – Residential Aged Care
• Preparing for an Emergency Event – Home Care
• Preparing for an Emergency Event – Commonwealth Home Support Programme.
   

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