At Be Independent Home Care, our carers visit clients every day through cold weather, dark mornings and difficult travel conditions. Winter brings extra pressure for everyone, so we plan ahead to keep both our care team and the people we support safe and well. Here’s how we do it, and how carers and families can help.

A healthy team means safer care
Flu, COVID-19 and other winter illnesses spread more easily at this time of year, and many of the people we support are more vulnerable to them. Our carers protect themselves and their clients by:

• washing hands regularly and following infection control practice
• wearing appropriate PPE, such as gloves, aprons and masks, in line with each client’s care plan and current guidance
• covering coughs and sneezes
• staying at home and telling their coordinator if they’re unwell
• looking after their own hydration, nutrition and sleep

Families can help too. If anyone in the home has flu, COVID-19 or a stomach bug, please let us know before the visit so your carer can take the right precautions.

Vaccination
Flu and COVID-19 are caused by different viruses, so one vaccine doesn’t protect against the other. We encourage all our carers to get both, and they’re free for healthcare workers. Vaccination is also recommended for older people and those with long-term conditions. Your GP or pharmacist can advise, and eligible people can often get both vaccines at the same appointment.

Travelling safely
Our carers travel by car, on foot, by bike, by scooter and on public transport. In winter they:

• check Met Éireann weather warnings before setting out
• allow extra travel time
• wear suitable footwear with good grip
• wear high-visibility clothing, which BIHC provides to all staff
• keep vehicles winter ready: tyres, lights, wipers, screen wash and antifreeze
• stay in contact with their coordinator throughout the day

If bad weather affects your visits
The safety of our carers and clients always comes first. If a weather warning makes travel unsafe, our coordinators will:

• contact clients and families as early as possible
• prioritise essential calls such as personal care, medication support and meals
• rearrange visits where needed and keep you updated

You can help by making sure we have up-to-date contact details and, where possible, keeping paths and entrances clear and well lit for carers arriving in the dark.

Supporting our carers’ wellbeing
Short days, poor weather and heavier workloads can take a toll. We encourage our team to take their breaks, stay connected with colleagues, and talk to their Care Supervisor or Coordinator early if something is affecting them at work or at home. All BIHC staff also have free, confidential access to our Employee Assistance Programme for extra support whenever they need it.

Thank you
To our carers: thank you for the compassion and professionalism you show every day, whatever the weather. To our clients and families: thank you for working with us to keep everyone safe.
From everyone at Be Independent Home Care: stay safe, stay well and stay winter ready.

Useful resources
Be Emergency Ready
RSA Severe Weather Advice
HPSC 
Met Éireann Weather Warnings