Climate Adaptation: extreme weather

Healthwatch Blackpool undertook research on the impact of extreme weather, particularly heatwaves, on care home residents and providers. They spoke to 51 care home residents, 29 staff members and 9 care home managers across 11 care homes in Blackpool to understand experiences of extreme weather, preparedness and climate adaptation.

Residents generally felt well cared for during extreme weather and praised staff efforts to keep them comfortable through measures such as providing drinks, fans, blankets, shaded outdoor areas and regular wellbeing checks. However, many residents reported problems with overheating, poor ventilation, limited control over room temperatures and a lack of air conditioning. Most residents were unaware of any formal plans for managing extreme weather, although many felt their homes would respond appropriately if needed. 

Staff and managers reported that care homes were generally well prepared for current weather challenges through contingency plans, risk assessments, hydration measures and emergency procedures. Most homes had adapted buildings with blinds, ventilation improvements or cooling equipment, and staff described a proactive approach to supporting residents during heatwaves and cold weather. However, formal training was inconsistent, long-term climate adaptation planning was limited, and many managers cited cost and funding pressures as barriers to improvements such as air conditioning, building upgrades and renewable energy investments. 

The report concluded that care homes are generally effective at responding to immediate extreme weather events but are less prepared for the longer-term impacts of climate change. Healthwatch Blackpool recommended stronger senior leadership on climate resilience, improved communication with residents and families, mandatory staff training on extreme weather, better temperature control and ventilation in care homes, more strategic climate adaptation planning, and greater investment in building improvements to make services more resilient to future heatwaves, flooding and storms.