Winter is Coming! Even if you live in a warmer climate, winter always brings changes to home care agencies that are essential, and you should not ignore them. Continue reading below to learn some tips on how to get your staff, caregivers, and clients ready for the winter season. Remember, a proactive approach is how you reduce the risks of accidents!
Create Winter Check Protocols
Have a staff member perform checks around the client’s home and report the findings through your preferred method. Ensure they check for:
- The Furnace
- Alarms
- Windows
- Pipes
- Ducts
Also, ensure that the client has salt and snow removal tools in place, along with a protocol for their use.
Take some time to establish a protocol for this. It’s advisable to have someone on your staff (or caregivers) perform checks before inclement weather sets in and at least once a month as a guideline for as long as the weather conditions in your area demand. This is not merely a checklist; it’s an essential safety practice. Being proactive can save time, prevent accidents, and reduce the risk of electrical fires.
Ensure Clients have Proper Clothing and Footwear
In addition to checking the home’s safety measures, it’s crucial for your caregivers to ensure that clients have suitable clothing for the winter season. While minimizing outdoor exposure is recommended, it’s not always feasible. Caregivers should confirm that clients have appropriate footwear, warm blankets, and clothing suitable for the state’s winter conditions. Adequate footwear can reduce the risk of falls, and proper clothing can prevent illness and hypothermia. Additionally, advise caregivers to carry warm clothing when they visit clients, as emergencies can require them to be outside.
Caution Caregivers and Clients About Driving in Winter Conditions
Winter often makes driving a daunting prospect for many. Brief your staff on best practices for driving in wintry conditions and ensure they pass this information along to clients who may also need to drive. For a refresher on best practices for driving in snowy conditions, you can check out this article. Consider suggesting that caregivers handle the driving for clients if travel is necessary.
Ensure Proper Nutrition Within your Staff and Clients
The beginning of winter marks the start of the main flu and cold season. It’s essential to equip your staff and clients with the necessary tools to combat these illnesses. For valuable nutrition tips, check out our article here. Encourage caregivers to share tips on protecting themselves from flu and colds, and ensure you have a sound sick policy in place. Caregivers should refrain from visiting a client’s home if they exhibit symptoms. Remind them that, in addition to doctor’s offices, many pharmacies offer flu shots.
Check in with your Staff
Lastly, conduct weekly check-ins with your staff. Winter can bring about seasonal depression, isolation, and loneliness. Take time for staff appreciation, engage in frequent listening, and promote a healthy work-life balance.
If you require further assistance in preparing your agency for winter, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team can provide support with staff training, task management, or helping you relax during the holiday season. We offer a complimentary 30-minute consultation, and our team boasts real-world experience in running personal care agencies. Feel free to give me a call at 678-340-3649 or email me at mkapteyn@homecareba.com.