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Keep the elderly warm this winter
Advisors will be in Grantham Library, in the INC, to chat about energy efficiency, heat saving measures, preparing homes for winter and home insurance, plus they will hand out free NHS Keep Warm Keep Well winter guides.
Age Concern Kesteven spokesman Val Vowles said: "Winter can bring misery to many older people who become housebound during the cold spell.
"Our awareness campaign seeks to give advice and assistance to ensure that older people have the information to prepare themselves for the coming months."
Age Concern has teamed up with Powergen to offer gas and electricity for the elderly with a number of benefits, including competitive prices, free carbon monoxide detectors, free hypothermia thermometer and free energy efficiency advice.
For more information call Age Concern Energy Services free on 0800 404 5010 or visit Age Concern.
Here are ten tips on how to keep warm this winter.
1.Get a flu jab
For most people flu is an unpleasant experience, but for older people it can cause serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia, often leading to hospitalisation and even death. If you are over 65 you're entitled to a free flu jab. If you're under 65 and the main carer for someone then you can also get a flu jab. The flu vaccination is the most effective protection against flu and can help you stay active and well through the winter.
2. Dress well
There's an increased risk of becoming ill if you get cold. To prevent your body temperature from falling, you need to dress properly. At home, wear several thin layers of clothes rather than one thick layer. Keep warm in bed by wearing socks, a nightcap or scarf around your head, thermal underwear and a warm nightdress or pyjamas. Outdoors, wear several thin layers under your coat rather than one thick layer. Keep your head covered and wear warm, dry, flat, non-slip shoes or boots.
3. Eat well
Food is a vital source of warmth. Each day eat a mixed diet and have regular hot meals at least once. Have hot drinks through the day and keep a stock of food in case you can't get out to the shops in very cold weather.
4. Keep moving
Moving around is good for your health and generates extra body heat, so any exercise or activity will help keep you warm. Don't stay sitting still for long periods of time. Spread chores out through the day so you can alternate between rest and activity.
5. Heat well
Try to keep a temperature of 21 degrees in all rooms you use during the day. Or, at the very least heat your living room during the day and your bedroom at night. Use a hot water bottle or an electric blanket - but never at the same time.
6. Plan ahead
With some planning now, you can make a big difference to how warm your house is in the winter. Check your heating system is working properly and serviced, fit draught proofing or insulation and get your chimney swept.
7.Get financial support
Initiatives such as the Warm Front Scheme, Winter Fuel Payments and the Home Heat Helpline offer advice and grants for energy-efficiency, fuel bills and insulation for those most vulnerable to the winter.
8. Stop smoking
Giving up smoking will boost your health for the winter, reducing your chances of a heart attack and improve your body's circulation.
9. Look out for your neighbours
If you have an elderly neighbour or relative, keep an eye out for them in the winter months. If the curtains aren't opened during the day, or there are no lights on in the evening, there may be something wrong. Try knocking on the door to see if there's an answer. If not, contact a relative or friend who you think might have a key. If you think there are serious grounds for concern, contact the emergency services by dialling 999.
10. Look after yourself if you get ill
If you go down with flu during the winter, you should stay at home and rest, take plenty of non-alcoholic drinks to replace the fluid loss from sweating and eat what you can. If you live on your own, let a friend, relative or neighbour know that you're ill. Try to plan ahead. A well-stocked medicine chest will help you be prepared for treating coughs, colds, and flu. Ask your pharmacist's advice on what to put in your medicine kit.
Sent: 17/10/2007
Email us direct at: repairs@londonheatingservices.co.uk
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