Get Ready for Winter

For most people, when the clocks go back it signals the start of winter.

For most people, when the clocks go back it signals the start of winter.

For some, especially if you are older or have older relatives, it can be a more difficult time when you may need a bit of extra help or support.

There are lots of things you can do to keep healthy and well in winter, and Bluebird Care (North Leeds) have put together top tips of things to consider and ways to prepare for winter. We hope that older people, and their families, find it useful.

Get ready for winter

• Keep an eye on weather forecasts, particularly severe weather warnings from the Met O?ce.
• Stock up on basics in case you can’t get out of your home for a couple of days.
• Nominate a flu friend or neighbour who can collect essentials such as prescriptions on your behalf.
• Keep a list of emergency contacts by your phone and add local organisations and charities that support older people.
• Know where your stopcock is located.
• Make sure your pipes are adequately lagged and your roof properly insulated.

Stay safe

• Don’t take any risks in snow or icy conditions. If you have to go out, make sure you wear shoes with a good grip.
• Keep torches, a battery-powered radio and spare batteries where they’re easy
• to find in the dark in case of power cuts.
• If you can, get a mobile phone (as it doesn't not rely on your electricity supply) and keep it charged.

Stay well

• Have your flu jab – book your appointment now if you haven’t already done so.
• Try to eat a balanced diet and eat small portions at regular intervals throughout the day.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• If you can, get up and move around. If your mobility is more limited, do some chair exercises to help you stay warm and active.
• Good hand hygiene can prevent the spread of viruses.

Stay warm

• If eligible, join the Priority Service Register of your energy distributor to ensure you receive support during prolonged power outages.
• Have a hot drink regularly and if you find moving about di?cult, have a flask handy.
• Have your heating system checked every year and consider installing thermostatic valves on radiators in the rooms you use the most.
• Ask about any benefits, grants and discounts you might be entitled to such as Pension credits, winter fuel payments and insulation
• Wear warm clothes in layers.

Stay in touch

Make sure you know how to contact your neighbours by phone – it’s easy to lose touch in the winter months when people aren’t out and about as much.

Continue to go to your social activities with friends or at the local community centre. Winter time can have health implications for us all, particularly for older people. Bluebird Care (Leeds North) is working with the community to keep older people well during winter.

Anyone who would like more information on getting some additional help at home this winter please contact Bluebird Care (Leeds North) on 0113 2589677 or email leedsnorth@bluebirdcare.co.uk