Carers' hot weather advice

This is a Public board

Moderator: Global Moderator

Carers' hot weather advice

Postby wendy » 18 Jul 2016, 12:45

News Release 18th July 2016
Carers' hot weather advice
As the heatwave in Norfolk starts, carers are being advised to take steps to avoid dehydration and heatstroke in anybody they are looking after who is elderly or who has heart, breathing or mobility problems.
Kevin Vaughan, Norfolk Carers' Service Manager says:
"We have all been looking forward to enjoying the hot weather but we're not used to it and it can cause medical problems for some people; We're teaming up with pharmacies as part of our "Carer Friendly" pharmacy initiative, to advise carers, anybody looking after someone who is ill, frail or who has a disability, mental health problem or addiction, to take steps to avoid dehydration or heatstroke in anybody who may be at risk, and to watch out for any signs of heat-related illness."
According to NHS Choices, people at risk in hot weather include:
• older people, especially those over 75
• people with a serious chronic condition, especially heart or breathing problems
• people with mobility problems – for example, people with Parkinson's disease or who have had a stroke
• people with serious mental health problems
• people on certain medications, including those that affect sweating and temperature control
• people who misuse alcohol or drugs

Balazs Varadi, Pharmacist from Total Health Pharmacy in Watton, says:

"Hydration is very important for anybody who may be vulnerable to the heat; people need to drink much more than usual; not too much tea or coffee or sugary drinks, just plain tap or mineral water. We also advise staying indoors between 11am and 3pm and if somebody does have to go out, to wear a hat, sunglasses and to use sun protection."

Pharmacies can by deliver medication to someone's home, if they need to avoid going out. We also offer a range of sun protection, sunburn relief and other products that can help. If somebody vulnerable feels the effect of heat whilst out and about, most pharmacies can offer a cool place to sit for a moment to recover with a glass of water if necessary."

The NHS advises carers to seek help from a GP or contact NHS 111 if someone is feeling unwell and shows symptoms of:
• breathlessness
• chest pain
• confusion
• intense thirst
• weakness
• dizziness
• cramps which get worse or don't go away
More information on coping in hot weather is available from pharmacies in Norfolk and the NHS Choices website: www.nhs.uk. Norfolk Carers provides information, advice and support to unpaid carers. The Advice Line is 0808 808 9876 and information is also available on-line: www.norfolkcarers.org.uk Facebook: Norfolk Carers; Twitter @ Norfolk Carers.

End
For more information or interview contact Kevin Vaughan, Carers Agency Partnership Manager Tel: 07747 777243.
A carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot cope without their support.
Care support workers are paid workers and not the same as carers.
Norfolk Carers is part of the Carers Agency Partnership (CAP). It is a formal partnership of local carers’ support organisations, commissioned by Norfolk County Council and five NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups and led by Norfolk Carers Support. Partners are: Norfolk Carers Support, West Norfolk Carers, West Norfolk Befriending, Age UK Norfolk, Norwich and Central Norfolk MIND, West Norfolk MIND and Great Yarmouth and Waveney MIND. Access to Norfolk Carers’ service is through Norfolk Carers Advice Line on 0808 808 9876.
User avatar
wendy
Administrator
Administrator
 
Posts: 59286
Joined: 05 Aug 2005, 23:00

Re: Carers' hot weather advice

Postby Honey » 18 Jul 2016, 22:32

than999 go90
x
Honey
Hero Member
Hero Member
 
Posts: 7507
Joined: 24 Jan 2006, 01:56

Re: Carers' hot weather advice

Postby annie » 19 Jul 2016, 09:19

go90
User avatar
annie
Hero Member
Hero Member
 
Posts: 34023
Joined: 21 Aug 2006, 21:19
Location: Lancs


Return to Carer to Carer, help and advice

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: Bing [Bot] and 367 guests