Media Centre

Socially isolated elderly at greater risk of heat related deaths

Publish Date: 01/04/2009
Author: Marketing & Communications Dept.

The recent study indicating that there will be a rise in heat related deaths in the elderly as the effects of climate change increase is cause for concern for Baptcare.

Baptcare cares for over 850 elderly residents each day in seven aged care facilities, and supports over 1100 elderly people to remain living in their own homes.

Mr Jeff Davey, Chief Executive of Baptcare, said that caring for the elderly during the hotter months of the year can be a difficult process, particularly within the rural areas of Victoria. “Individuals who are at particular risk during heatwaves are those who are socially isolated, and people suffering from pre-existing conditions including cardiovascular disease, psychiatric illness, cognitive impairment, other neurological disorders, respiratory disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity,” Mr Davey said. “We attempt to reduce the effects of heat by monitoring each client’s wellbeing (including the provision of additional home visits during extreme heat) and encouraging various simple techniques that clients can implement including taking a cool shower or bath, wearing lightweight or loose-fitting clothing and reducing physical activity,” Mr Davey said.

Baptcare has implemented a range of strategies to enhance the wellbeing of its clients during heat waves including welfare checks, education for staff regarding prevention of heat exhaustion, encouraging clients to purchase an air conditioner (provided they do not have one) and arranging financial assistance for individuals who cannot afford coolers.

Following the February heat wave, Baptcare participated in a study involving organisations that support the health and wellbeing of elderly people living at home. The study concluded that while these organisations currently perform numerous activities that contribute to minimising the harm to elderly people during heatwaves, the development of a formalised heatwave response plan would be beneficial.

Baptcare is keen to contribute to the development of a future Victoria-wide strategy that will help reduce heat related harm to the elderly, and to work with other providers to achieve this.

Baptcare’s community aged care team is also currently reviewing the emergency management planning process to ensure that clients are supported in all emergency situations.