Severe Weather

More people get ill in winter and the number of deaths rises. There is a direct link between cold weather and the higher death rate, especially amongst older people and others in at-risk groups. Remember - winter needn't be dangerous if you take the right steps.

Leicestershire Adult Social Care Services have circulated a 'Keep Warm Keep Well' Winter Guide to all vulnerable older people that they are in contact with. This booklet provides advice about actions that older people and their carers can take themselves to keep well during winter.

There is also a Winter Contact Card for people to write down the telephone numbers of people they would need to contact in an emergency such as the plumber or heating engineer, the local GP, the chemist or the local shopkeeper.

Top tips for keeping warm and well this winter:

• Keep up to date with weather forecasts and know when the temperature is likely to drop
• Make sure your home is heated to around 18-21°C and avoid draughts by keeping curtains and doors closed
• Wear several thin layers of warm clothes, rather than one thick layer to maintain body heat
• Eat at least one hot meal a day and have regular hot drinks to keep energy levels up
• Keep active - get up and walk around the house, don't just sit still
• Avoid catching colds or flu by covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing and encourage others to do the same. Throw away used tissues and regularly wash your hands with soap and water, or use a hand sanitizer gel when you are out and about

Information has been issued through meals on wheels providers, home care assistants, day centres or lunch clubs.

Copies of the Keep Warm Keep Well Winter Guide and the Winter Contact Card can be obtained from the Adult Social Care Service Communication Team on 0116 305 7404, (or see below for downloadable copies)

Useful Links

• Keep Warm Keep Well
• Leicestershire County Council
• Winter Fuel Payment information from the Pension Service
• Latest information from the Met Office