Winter is here. The cold weather can have a significant impact on people’s health and with the cold and icy conditions vulnerable people can tend to stay at home.
Top tips for supporting older vulnerable neighbours, friends and relatives, include:
- Make sure they’re warm enough – the temperature in their home should be at least 18oC, particularly if they are not mobile, have long term illness or are 65 or over, and they may need to wear several layers of clothes to stay warm.
- Make sure they are well stocked up on food, drink and medicines they may need.
- Try to make sure they have regular hot meals and drinks throughout the day.
- Information about social groups and activities for older people is available through www.connecttosupport.org/york or by contacting Age UK York on 01904 627995.
- For more information about Age UK’s national Spread the Warmth campaign visit www.ageuk.org.uk or see www.york.gov.uk/winter more information about keeping well during winter.
Councillor Carol Runciman, executive member for adult social care and health, City of York Council, said: “For hundreds of older and vulnerable people across the York area the winter can be a lonely and difficult time.
“Simply popping in to check on vulnerable neighbours or make time for elderly relatives and friends to make sure they are warm, happy and healthy can make such a difference.”
The council is also reminding people to stay well this winter, here’s our top tips:
- At the first sign of a cough or cold, get advice from your pharmacist
- Speak to your pharmacist about important medicines you should have in stock
- It is important to keep warm in winter, so heat your home to at least 18°C (65°F)
- Make sure you get your flu jab from your GP or pharmacy
- For information and advice visit www.nhs.uk/staywell