Warm up this Winter with these tips

Winter is a beautiful time of year, but it can get bitterly cold – affecting everything from travel and work to health and wellbeing. Older people in particular, are vulnerable to the difficult and cold conditions, often isolating themselves at home to avoid going out into the cold and risk slipping on ice.

Winter is a beautiful time of year, but it can get bitterly cold – affecting everything from travel and work to health and wellbeing. Older people in particular, are vulnerable to the difficult and cold conditions, often isolating themselves at home to avoid going out into the cold and risk slipping on ice.

Multiple weather warnings from the Met Office have been issued recently, ranging from yellow to red across the UK for heavy snow, ice and blizzardy conditions. It is at times like this, that we should extend a helping hand to those that are vulnerable and may need some support to feel warm and safe during periods of cold weather.

Colder temperatures below 8C can have a drastic effect on the body, not only increasing the risk of flu, but also increasing the risk of heart attacks, pneumonia, hypothermia and falls.

Here we have some tips for older people to keep warm:

• Keep an eye on the weather and any warnings issues by the Met Office to help you prepare for the colder weather. If there is heavy snow forecast, consider getting the essentials in (milk, bread, butter, soup etc) to save you having to go out in the cold and icy conditions.
• If you’re entitled to the flu jab, it is worth getting it to save any flu setting in.
• Ensure your heating is working efficiently, by having it regularly checked by a professional.
• To keep the warmth in your home, close the doors between each room and shut the curtains as it begins to get dark to stop any draughts.
• Several layers of clothing can keep you much warmer than just one thick layer. Wooly, fleecy and thermal clothes can help to trap the warmth and keep you nice and toasty!
• If you’re still feeling a bit chilly, keep a fleecy blanket on hand and a hot water bottle. When you’re getting ready for bed, pop the hot water bottle under the covers and it will warm the bed up for when you get in.
• You may be able to qualify for some financial help with heating bills, such as a Warm Home Discount, a Winter Fuel Payment or a Cold Weather Payment.

And here’s what you can do to help a person in need!

• If you know that someone is a home on their own a lot, consider popping round to check in and make sure they’re okay.
• If you’re heading to the shops, ask any older neighbours if there is anything they need, to save them risking the cold weather conditions.
• Even a phone call can help to alleviate feelings of isolation, so pick up the phone and have a chat with someone older to let them know that you’re there.

Here at Bluebird Care we know that the cold weather isn’t fun and exciting for everyone, that’s why we’d like to express how important it is to help those in need, making sure that they are warm and have what they need. Share these tips with elderly neighbours or loved ones, to ensure they stay warm this winter!