With the death rate of elderly people soaring by 17%* during the cold spell last winter, local at-home care provider Home Instead Senior Care is keen to spread the word about the importance of staying warm this winter – especially for older people.
Home Instead owner Phil Maundrill has been working with older people across the area for some time and as the forecast suggests another cold winter, he is keen to get people thinking about how to keep themselves and their loved ones warm this year.
Phil comments: “There are a number of simple things that older people can do to stay safe and warm this winter. We want to make sure that our senior citizens know the services that are available to them as well as the simple things they can do to stay warm. We hope these pointers will also provide a talking point and encourage people to pop round and visit their elderly neighbours, to make sure they know they are being cared for at what can feel like a lonely time of year.”
• Remember to eat warm foods and have plenty of warm drinks
• Try not to sit in one place for longer than an hour. If your mobility is limited, try simple exercises from your chair
• Make sure you are wearing plenty of layers as this will keep your warmer and make it much easier to control your temperature
• Organise a service for your heating and ensure your house is properly insulated
• Research and apply for any relevant funding from the government that may help with your bills as fuel prices rise
• Make sure you have had the flu jab you are entitled to
• Speak to your local pharmacy about free prescription pick-up services that can often save unnecessary trips out in the cold
Phil concludes: “Whether you would like to find arrange at-home visits for an elderly friend or relative or would like more help and advice on how to keep warm through the winter, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. Other useful local organisations who are on hand to help include your local Age UK office and your own GP.”
Home Instead’s services can include personal care such as assistance with bathing, dressing and medications; home help covering housework, shopping, meal preparation and household duties; and companionship services that can involve everything from escorting clients on visits or appointments to simple conversation and good company. A range of specialist services, which include Alzheimer’s and dementia care, convalescence care and respite care is also available.
The above services are available throughout South Warwickshire including Kenilworth, Leamington Spa, Stratford upon Avon, Warwick and surrounding villages.
For more information about Home Instead in Warwickshire please call: 01789 20 40 40 or 01926 62 90 30 or visit www.homeinstead.co.uk/warwickshire.
