Care Home Winter Pressures
As the temperature drops and flu season knocks on the door early, care homes are preparing to feel the chill more than most.
We’ve pulled together communications from the Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England and other prominent voices in the health and social care industry to bring you the key priorities for care homes heading into winter 2025.
Read on for your care home winter pressures survival guide.
The Importance of Collaboration
When services are under strain, communication can easily slip through the cracks. But this is a time when teamwork matters most.
The government’s winter letter to local councils and adult social care services echoed many of the messages in the NHS England’s letter to the Integrated Care Board (ICB) and the NHS Trust/Foundation Trust. Both hammered home the importance of collaboration between all services to provide the best health outcomes.
It isn’t just about bigger-picture planning, an article in RCN magazine, also highlights the importance of collaboration on a personal level for care home residents. For example, working with families to obtain consent for vaccinations and ensuring residents’ wishes and preferences are met.
“NHS England has written to the Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and NHS provider organisations… sharing insights to support winter preparedness. This letter complements those messages – and reinforces the importance of a joined-up approach to planning across the health and care system for this winter.”
– Stephen Kinnock, Minister of State for Care, Department of Health & Social Care
Preventing Infection & Hospital Admissions
Aside from the pressure on the NHS this time of year, increased exposure to infection and the stress of being in an unfamiliar environment means that hospital isn’t always the best place for elderly people. Proactive care is effective in preventing avoidable hospital admissions, and for admissions that can’t be prevented, collaboration between care services is key to support timely discharge.
Flu season has arrived more than a month earlier than usual, according to data from the UK Health Security Agency and so the government has reminded all care providers to continue to follow infection prevention and control guidelines.
NHS England is continuing to promote vaccinations in efforts to protect the most vulnerable among our society. This year, flu jabs are being offered to residents and care workers as normal, as well as COVID-19 jabs for residents and the RSV vaccine for those who are eligible.
5 Tips to Prepare for Care Home Winter Pressures
1. Keep care plans up-to-date and ensure all staff have access
2. Prepare contingency plans for a severe flu or COVID-19 outbreak
3. Ensure good communication both internally and externally
4. Facilitate activities and visits with loved ones to boost morale
5. Encourage vaccination uptake for both staff and residents
Staffing Levels & Employee Wellbeing
The government’s letter urges local councils to create business continuity plans for risks which could impact adult social care, including power outages, digital risks and travel disruptions caused by snow or flooding.
Travel disruptions and seasonal illnesses can throw your rotas into chaos. Last-minute absences mean finding replacements fast and adapting rotas at short notice and this puts further strain on an already stretched workforce, which providers need to be ready for.
Staff well-being can also take a hit during busy periods. Arranging adequate staffing for the demand, ensuring staff take rest breaks and encouraging open conversations about well-being can help alleviate stress and keep spirits high.
“Technology and digital solutions are going to be vital for longer term transformation and unlocking our productivity.”
– Sir James Mackey, Chief Executive Officer, NHS England
Using Technology to Your Advantage
While digital tools can’t remove winter pressures, technologies such as rota management, digital care plans, remote monitoring and eMARs can lighten the load.
By using technology to reduce admin, improve communication, and make up-to-date health information easier for both permanent and agency staff to access, care homes can continue to provide quality care, even during busy periods.
As an accounting software provider with multiple clients in the social care industry, we’re in tune with the needs of care homes. If you’re looking for a solution that takes care of the financial side of the business, including resource allocation, financial reporting and managing multiple homes, while integrating with other systems, you’re in the right place. Confirm your details in the form at the end of this page and we’ll be in touch!
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