feature: Keep well and warm this winter
13 December 2007
Winter can be a difficult time for elderly people, with worries about heating your home and staying healthy. There are some simple things which you can do to make it easier over the coming months.
Top Tips
- Get that flu jab free from your GP
- Don’t turn your heating off. The Keep Warm Keep Well booklet (see the Where to turn section below) has advice on energy efficiency, grants and benefits, and your supplier will have a scheme to help elderly people
- Wear a hat, scarf, gloves and extra layers
- Have plenty of warm drinks and regular hot meals
- Get some exercise. Moving around generates extra body heat, so if possible try and move around at least once an hour
- Use a hot water bottle or electric blanket in bed (not both, for safety reasons), or extra blankets
- Keep internal doors closed to stop draughts
Where to turn
The ‘Keep Warm Keep Well’ booklet produced by the Department of Health is packed with useful information and contacts. Pick up a copy in libraries or GP surgeries, or from the Age Concern information line 0800 00 99 66, or visit the Keep Warm Keep Well website (see the external links section below).
If you are an older person or are worried about an older person you know, contact Haringey Council’s community care team on 020 8489 1400.
Age Concern Haringey can also help, on 020 8801 2444 (9.30am - 12.30pm Monday to Friday).
For the Winter Fuel Payment helpline, call 08459 151 515 (8.30am - 4.30pm Monday to Friday).
Remember the government provides winter fuel payments of up to £300. You are entitled to this money if you were aged 60 or over during the week of 16 to 23 September this year. It should be paid automatically. Call the Winter Fuel Payment helpline number more information: 08459 151 515 (8.30am - 4.30pm Monday to Friday).
James Slater, Haringey Primary Care Trust, says:
“Older and vulnerable people are particularly prone to ill health in the winter months and more susceptible to cold and flu. So if you have a neighbour or relative who is over 65, please look out for them when the temperature drops and remind them to have their flu jab.”
Cllr Bob Harris, cabinet member for adult social care adds:
|Back to top“Keeping well and warm is particularly important at this time of year. Our team at Haringey Council can offer help and advice, either to elderly people directly or to people who are worried about someone they know or a neighbour. A quick call to 020 8489 4100 can make all the difference.“
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