Use of Direct Heat Devices

Purpose: To safely provide easy, gentle and soothing relief from aches and pains where heat or cold is beneficial.

• Leuchie House does not provide guests with hot water bottles.  Hot water bottles should NOT be used because of the dangers of leakage or spillage and burns. On the very rare occasions that a hot water bottle is to be used an individual Risk Assessment must be completed by an RN, but a guest should always be encouraged to use another method of heat device (see below).
• Wheat bags can be used as an alternative to hot water bottles.  Leuchie House does not supply guests with wheat bags but would allow guests who had brought their own to use them.
• Prior to heating a wheat bag, the instructions supplied with it should be read.  It is usual to heat them from between 75 seconds and 2.5 minutes based on an 800-watt microwave.
• The temperature of the bag should be tested before applying to the heated area by placing on your arm for a couple of minutes.  Remember that the temperature required for the guest could be significantly less than required for you.
• Always place a glass or cup of water in the microwave with the wheat bag when heating to help keep the wheat bag moist.
• Always allow the wheat bag to return to room temperature before re heating as this will affect the final temperature of the product.
• Do not heat wheat bags in a microwave used for food.