Community Care

WINTER WRAPPED UP

Changes to our bodies as we get older mean that cold weather and winter bugs affect us more than they used to. And this winter, we know we’ll need to live with coronavirus as well as other respiratory viruses. The good news is that there’s lots we can do to help keep ourselves well at this time of year. The flu jab – it is really important to get your flu jab every year, even if you have had a flu jab the previous year. The flu virus changes every year, so you need to make sure that you get it each year.

Bedroom windows

– keep your bedroom window closed at night when the weather is cold. The coldest time of the day is just before dawn and breathing in cold air increases the risk of chest infections, heart attacks and strokes. The ideal temperature for bedroom is 18°C (64°F). Heating your home – It is best to keep your house at a stable temperature rather than turning the heating up and down and just putting on the heating for a couple of hours a day. Sudden changes in temperature can cause health problems. Recommended temperatures for the living room 21°C (70°F) and bathroom between 22°C and 24°C (71°F and 75°F). Insulation – you will feel the benefits of good insulation all year round, not just in winter. Insulation is like a Thermos; your home will stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

Wear a hat – don’t just save it for the outdoors. It may sound silly but wearing a hat indoors during the cold weather is a really good idea, it will help you keep warm. Keep moving – it may be tempting to sit in one room during the cold snaps but staying active is essential for your general wellbeing, it also generates heat and will help to keep you warm too. Try not to sit still for more than an hour. You can do chair-based exercises, moving your arms, legs and wiggling your toes can all help to keep you warm and well. Personal alarm – it is often the case that people feel more isolated than usual during the winter, this can knock our confidence. A personal alarm can help to reassure you, your family and friends. If you fall or you’re unwell it connects you to a 24-hour call centre who will contact a chosen person to help you or the emergency services. Age UK, the NHS and Government websites have information specifically for older people on how to keep safe in winter. We can also help by checking in with those who are vulnerable in our community to make sure they have stocks of food and medicines, so they do not need to go out during very cold weather.

Karen Perry Founder, alice chilton In-Home Care Services www.alicechilton.com www.alicechiltoncleaning.co.uk

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