Keep Warm and Stay Well Advice for Winter

Winter can be a difficult time of year, especially if you are older or suffer with a long-term health condition and so a bit of extra help or support is important.

This is why your local Care at Home provider Bluebird Care (Watford & Three Rivers/Chiltern & Dacorum) would like to make you aware of a free source of help this winter provided by Hertfordshire County Council called HertsHelp, a free adviceline for those at risk from cold-related illness.

HertsHelp has a number of ways they can support those most at risk. The free support that could be offered includes home energy audit visits, special grants, insulation and draught-proofing, free heated over blankets, emergency radiators and advice on paying bills, including entitlement to benefits. If you need this support you wont be alone. Last year more than 10,000 people like you were helped by this scheme.

However, there are simple precautions you can take to keep healthy and well in winter:

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.

Stay well

• Have your flu jab and book your appointment now if you haven’t already done so.
• Eat a balanced diet and eat small portions at regular intervals throughout the day.
• 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.

Stay warm

• Heat your living room to 21°C (70°F) during the day and the bedroom to 18°C (64°F) at night. Call HertsHelp to request a free easy-to-read thermometer.
• Ask HertsHelp for advice on paying bills, grants, benefits and extra money you may be entitled to.
• Have a hot drink regularly and if you find moving about difficult, have a flask handy.
• Wear warm clothes in layers.

Stay in touch

• Make sure you know how to contact your neighbours by phone.
• Visit or speak regularly to your friends and family.

If you need help to keep your home warm this winter call HertsHelp for information and advice on 0300 123 4044.

From everyone at Bluebird Care a very Happy Christmas to all.