It’s predicted that the first proper cold snap of winter is about to grip the UK, with temperatures forecast to dip well below freezing. The accompanying warnings to wrap up with added vigilance and take extra care of yourself and others are sure to follow.
It’s especially important in these times of strain and struggle to look out for those who are particularly vulnerable, such as older people and those with long-term medical conditions.
Dr Thomas Waite, from the Public Health England’ Extreme Events team, advised: ”As the weather is going to get colder everywhere in the coming days, this is a really good time to check on those who may be at risk. People with diseases such as heart and lung conditions, older people, and young children can feel the ill-effects of cold weather more than the rest of us”.
To stay well this winter, we all need to play a part. Acorn Stairlifts are encouraging everyone to pay particular attention to our beloved grandparents, who are particularly at risk when temperatures drop. Often the smallest act can go a long way to reassure and offer safety. So, with this mind, here are 6 IDEAL ways to help the elderly this winter, inspired by Age UK’s Spread The Warmth Campaign.
Call In More Often
It seems so simple but can get overlooked, as life gets busy and stressful over the festive season, but calling in more often, even simply for a cup of tea and chat, is a great way to help the elderly. Even if you’re only lending company rather than a hand, the conversation and human warmth will be so appreciated. A worrying trend of recent years has seen older people suffering more from isolation and loneliness, so do your part and offer some love this winter.
Make Sure Their Fridge Is Stocked
The idea of venturing out to the shops in the biting cold, having to carry heavy bags with the danger of slipping, is often more off-putting than the idea of going hungry. When you’re visiting elderly relatives or friends, make sure they have plenty of food in the fridge and freezer, and if not offer to get the groceries in. Go that extra mile and cook a few meals to be heated up – it will be hugely welcome. Even from a distance, you can help; shop online for them if they don’t have internet access and phone to check the delivery went smoothly.
Pick Up Prescriptions
If the chilly weather has rendered those elderly loved ones housebound, offer to collect prescriptions. If that’s not feasible for whatever reason, make the necessary enquiries to find out if their local pharmacy offers a prescription pick-up and delivery service. As keeping on top of medication is imperative, consider roping in a friend to help with this small but important task if you’re not able to help physically yourself.
Pre-Empt The Danger Of A Fall
As we all well know, the icy ground gets hazardous over the winter period. Whilst a slip for you may only cause damage in terms of a red face and possible appearance on You’ve Been Framed, the danger a fall poses to an elderly person is far greater. You can do your bit to pre-empt this. Bring round a mixture of salt and sand for putting on steps or paths in icy weather, making them a safer surface to walk on. Some councils provide free bags of the mix, otherwise try a local DIY store
Remind Them Of The Importance Of Keeping Warm
After a long life, some people may be stuck in their ways in terms of refusing to have the heating high and being layered up. Keeping warm is vital though, so remind elderly relatives that their main living room should be heated to 70F/21C, and the rest of the house heated to at least 64F/18C. Low temperatures increase the risk of flu and other respiratory problems and can raise blood pressure, so highlight these dangers. Make sure the requisite layers are being worn too, and if not, maybe a thick, cosy Christmas jumper could be in order.
Severe winter weather conditions can cause power cuts also, which can have serious implications for more vulnerable people, especially if the boiler isn’t working. Power and utility companies have schemes, prioritising those at risk for reconnection in the event of a power cut. You can find if you or a loved one meet the criteria for these schemes by clicking here, which you’ll find more information.
Assist With Benefits Checks
Government assistance is available to those in their autumn years, but often the bureaucracy involved in figuring out eligibility and such is prohibitive to access. Therefore, to make sure they’re claiming everything they’re eligible for, help loved ones by assisting in a review of their benefits. Their local Age UK can offer one of these, or they can use our online benefits calculator provided by the official government website.