Please think of vulnerable friends and neighbours over the festive period.

It’s estimated that over half a million older people in the UK spend Christmas Day alone*.

 

Top tips for supporting older or vulnerable neighbours, friends and relatives, include:

• Make sure they’re warm enough – the temperature in their home should be at least 18 degrees C, 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.
• Try to make sure they have regular hot meals and drinks throughout the day.
• Check that they have enough medication to last the period that their GP practice is closed, so they don’t risk getting ill if they run out.
• 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.
• Christmas can also be a particularly difficult time for people living with dementia. For information about how to support people with dementia over the festive period, visit www.alzheimers.org.uk and search for ‘tips for Christmas support’.
• For more information about Age UK’s national Spread the Warmth campaign visit www.ageuk.org.uk or see www.york.gov.uk/winter for more information about keeping well during winter.

The cold weather can have a significant impact on people’s health and residents are being reminded of the services available to them this winter.

Pharmacies across the city can offer confidential, expert advice and treatment for a range of common illnesses such as colds, flu, minor rashes and pain relief. They can also help answer any questions you may have about the medication you are taking. Many pharmacies are open late into the evening and all have a consultation room so you can speak in private.

Residents can also get advice from NHS111 before contacting their GP, the fast, easy and free NHS non-emergency number. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 111 if:

• you need medical help fast but it’s not a 999 emergency
• you think you need to go to A&E or need another NHS urgent care service
• you don’t know who to call or you don’t have a GP to call
• you need health information or reassurance about what to do next.

*figures based on research carried out by Age UK in 2011