Hot meals and cosy toes – keeping warm through Spring
As we get older, our bodies react differently to the cold and wet conditions we experience in the UK. Looking after elderly relatives or parents is imperative during the winter and, sometimes cold spring, months to ensure they stay warm and healthy. Keeping warm both inside and outside your home can help reduce your risk of the serious health problems that are more common in the colder months, such as chest infections, heart attacks and strokes.
Here are some simple tips from Age UK to ensure elderly relatives stay safe during colder months:
- Keep simple cold, flu and sore throat remedies in the house. Your pharmacist can make suggestions and also advise you on how to manage minor illnesses.
- Follow up your GP’s invitation to have a flu jab.
- Order repeat prescriptions in plenty of time, particularly if bad weather is forecast. Ask your local pharmacy if they offer a prescription pick-up and delivery service.
- Keep basic food items in the cupboard or freezer in case it’s too cold to go shopping. You could also do your food shopping online and get it delivered to your door.
- Keep a radio and torch handy in case of a power cut.
It is the smaller things that can make all the difference so for more information read through this handy guide: http://www.ageuk.org.uk/Documents/EN-GB/Informationguides/AgeUKIG27_Winter_wrapped_up_inf.pdf?dtrk=true