Hot Water Scalding in Aged Care

In May, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission released a clinical alert related to the management of hot water applicable to both home care and residential aged care. This article relates specifically to the management of hot water in a home care setting, as does the complementary process template that you can access.

Click here to download your complete Homecare Process template!

The importance of managing the use of hot water in a home care setting cannot be overstated. Hot water is a valuable resource that provides comfort, cleanliness, hydration, and hygiene, but it also carries certain risks if not properly managed. As a caregiver or someone responsible for person’s well-being, understanding and implementing appropriate hot water management practices is crucial for maintaining a safe and comfortable environment.

• Prevent scalding incidents: Hot water can cause severe burns, especially for vulnerable individuals. By managing the temperature of hot water, you can minimize the risk of scalding accidents. Setting the water heater thermostat to a safe temperature (usually below 120°F or 49°C) helps prevent water from reaching scalding temperatures.
• Maintain hygiene and cleanliness: Hot water plays a vital role in maintaining personal hygiene standards in a home care setting. It is essential for activities such as bathing, handwashing, and cleaning. Proper management ensures an adequate supply of hot water for these activities, promoting cleanliness and reducing the risk of infection or illness.
• Promote independence and convenience: In a home care setting, individuals may have varying abilities to manage their own hot water usage. By implementing measures such as temperature regulators and user-friendly controls, you can enable individuals to control their hot water independently. This promotes a sense of autonomy, convenience, and self-reliance.

Managing the use of hot water in a home care setting is of paramount importance. By prioritizing safety, promoting hygiene, conserving energy, and considering environmental implications, caregivers can create a comfortable, sustainable, and secure environment for those they support. Implementing appropriate hot water management practices not only protects individuals from scalding incidents but also ensures a safe environment.

The Anchor Policy Team have developed documentation to support the management of hot water for Homecare consumers. This includes a;

• Process map
• Risk assessment
• Provision of domestic support
• Provision of nutrition and hydration support
• First aid responses to scalding

To download your Anchor Policy Homecare Hot Water Scalding Process template, please click here

For more information about the Homecare suite of Policies and Processes, please contact us today at info@anchorexcellence.com