Paddling pools and water fights - how care homes are tackling the heat

Health bosses have warned that the elderly are among the most vulnerable to the soaring temperatures and urged people to look out for them.

In care home across the county, bosses are taking similar approaches to keeping their residents as cool as they can throughout the heatwave.

Raj Sehgal, director of Armscare, runs care homes in Hunstanton, Heacham, Docking and Terrington St Clement in the west of the county.

Raj Sehgal, owner and managing director of Arms Care Picture: Docking House (Image: Docking House)

He said that he had sourced portable air conditioners in the run-up to the heatwave but had found these hard to come by.

He said: "Our approach is fairly standard, we've made sure we've got lots of fluids, lots of ice creams and are serving cold meals like finger foods.

"We're also offering residents cold flannels and have put paddling pools outside of our homes so residents can dip their feet."

He added that homes were keeping on top of closing curtains and blinds and moving residents out of rooms with windows exposed to direct sunlight.

Residents and staff at Terrington Lodge have been keeping cool using paddling pools (Image: Armscare)

He said: "It is really tough as we have older buildings which are not designed for this level of heat.

"We spend our lives trying to keep the heat in, so it makes it a real challenge to try and keep it out."

Staff and residents of Wyndham House in North Wootton enjoy a water fight (Image: Castlemeadow Care)

Castlemeadow Care, which runs several homes, including in Swanton Morley, Swaffham and Long Stratton, has organised water-based activities for residents.

Richard Lain-Smith, a spokesman, said: "We're making every effort to keep residents cool and well-hydrated.

Wyndham House organised water-based activities to help residents stay cool (Image: Castlemeadow Care)

"For our staff we're also encouraging them to take regular breaks, ensuring they also keep themselves hydrated.

"In our homes we have combined this with some water-based entertainment, much to the delight of our residents, who have taken great pleasure in giving staff a good soaking.

Steve Dorrington, who runs care homes in Wells, Watton and Dereham. Picture: Ian Burt

Steve Dorrington, who runs homes Dereham, Watton and Wells, said a similar approach was being taken in his homes.

He said: "All we can really do is make sure that our residents have lots of fluids.

"We've also had some very kind family members bringing in fans and we are sticking to cold meals, as it's very difficult for our staff too.

"If this becomes a regular occurrence we will invest in air conditioning too."

Staff keep cool at St John's House care home in Norwich (Image: Castlemeadow care)