Older people, their families, friends and neighbours need to think WARMTH across Newbury this winter to save lives, leading home care provider Bluebird Care has urged.
We love to talk about the weather in this country, but we are often unaware of the real threat to life that our winters can cause for older and vulnerable people.
Our winters can be quite sudden and catch us off guard, which means people have little time to take precautions against the cold. It’s important to start planning for the cold weather now by taking simple precautions like making sure you are getting any benefits you’re entitled to, speaking to your neighbours about how to cope with heavy snow or ice, and talking to your GP about getting your flu jab.
Bluebird Care is urging people in Newbury to make sure that they keep in regular contact with their friends and neighbours to make sure that they stay safe this winter. Simple measures like helping a neighbour stock up on food ahead of a cold snap could save them from a nasty fall if they try to venture out in bad weather.
The threat of another severe winter has lead Bluebird Care to issue a reminder for people to prepare for the cold weather. Bluebird Care is urging the public to think WARMTH this winter:
Wrap up: indoors and outdoors. Wearing extra layers indoors can help you keep warm. If you need to go outside, sturdy shoes with good grip or attachable grips to wear over your shoes can help prevent falls, and an insulated waterproof coat will help keep you warm and dry.
Alert: keep an eye on the weather forecast and stock up with nutritious food and speak to your GP about medicine in advance of a cold snap. If you have vulnerable neighbours, try and check up on them during cold weather.
Risk: minimise the risk of falls or becoming ill by taking the weather into account when you plan activity when severe weather is forecast. Plan ahead for the cold weather by talking to your GP about getting a flu jab, and talking to your neighbours about clearing snow in front of your home.
Money: winter bills can be very expensive. Make sure that you’re receiving all of the benefits you’re eligible for. In addition to the Winter Fuel Payments (Helpline 0800 731 0160), if it gets very cold you could also be entitled to additional Cold Weather Payments
Temperature: keep your bedroom heated to 18°C (64°F) and your living room around 21°C (70°F). If you prefer to heat just your living room during the day, to keep you warm through the night try heating your bedroom just before you go to sleep.
Hot meals: one hot meal a day, and hot drinks throughout the day can help to keep you warm. Eating nutritious food regularly can help to keep up your energy levels and support your immune system in the cold weather.
For more details about the Bluebird Care WARMTH campaign call 01635 36953, email [email protected] or visit their website at bluebirdcare.co.uk/newbury
Bluebird Care is the leading, award-winning provider of home and live in care, specialising in working with customers who live with dementia, physical disabilities and many other acute and chronic conditions.
Home is where everything you hold dear surrounds you. A safe, happy environment with the people you trust and your extra-special things close at hand.
Bluebird Care Newbury Managing Director, John Prendergast, said:
“Home is where we fit in; offering a range of home and live in care services, tailored exactly to your needs and designed how you want them. Whether that’s a weekly visit, round-the-clock live in care or anything in between, we help with your essential needs – leaving you to enjoy the life and level of independence you choose. We offer compassion, companionship, continuity and reliability. We’re by your side – to laugh, smile, listen, support and care. We’ve long believed the best care is delivered in your own home. Bluebird Care home and live in care means keeping all the things that matter to you close at hand, in the environment you know and treasure. We simply add a trusted companion, by your side as often as you’d like.“
