Tips for Winter in Aylesbury Vale & surrounding areas

It’s approaching that time of year where it pays to be nice and not naughty! It is also the season where we are wise to remind ourselves how to keep safe. We would like to take this opportunity to provide you with some winter tips to support you and your loved ones to stay safe through the winter months.

Keeping out the cold

• Make sure all internal doors are kept closed where possible
• Open curtains in sunny conditions to use the sun as natural heat
• Draw curtains in unused rooms which can insulate the room
• Wear socks and slippers which also helps with your circulation

Check and maintain your heating system

• Make sure your boiler is serviced
• Maintain a consistent temperature
• Don’t be cold! Any long periods of cold will hamper your body’s immune system.

Eat warming, healthy foods for winter

• Eat regular hot food - did you know onions and porridge are especially warming? Eaten separately, of course!
• Regular hot drinks are also recommended but avoid too much caffeine
• Beware of consuming too much alcohol as it can make you feel warm inside because blood vessels in the skin expand, but this also draws heat from your vital organs

Keep moving

• Regular movement will boost your circulation
• Try to move around at least once an hour, even if it is in your chair
• When sitting, put your feet up where possible as it is coldest nearer the ground

Going out into the cold

• Wear layers of loose-fitting clothing - wool, cotton and fleece are better
• These ‘loose fitting’ items create pockets of air that will keep you warmer
• Dress like a snowman - hat, scarf and gloves (carrot not necessary!)

Winter fuel payment

• This tax-free amount should be provided if you were born on or before 5 April 1954. You could get between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills. This is known as a ‘winter fuel payment’.
• You usually receive the winter fuel payment automatically if you are eligible and you get the state pension or another social security benefit (not housing benefit, council tax reduction, child benefit or universal credit).
• You can also call 0800 7310160 to request a claim form to be sent out to you by post.

Beware of the ice underfoot

Icy, snowy roads and pavements make it easy to slip and fall. Unfortunately, falls are a common occurrence
for people unsteady on their feet, especially during the winter months.

• Make sure to wear shoes with good traction and non-skid soles
• Replace a worn cane tip to make walking easier
• Take off shoes when you return indoors to avoid causing slippery conditions inside
• Stay inside until the roads are clear

Tips for a safer indoors

As you may be spending more time in your home during the winter period, we would like to remind you of
some useful safety tips to help keep you safe this winter in your home and help prevent future falls.

GP update

Fortunately, falls are preventable. If you have become a bit unsteady, make sure your doctor gives you a full physical evaluation to rule out any medical issues. For instance, low blood pressure can cause falls, as can diabetes, which can decrease sensation in lower extremities. Also, an untreated ear infection can also throw off one’s balance.

Medication

Check all medication - both prescription and over-the-counter. Some drug side-effects and drug interactions can cause dizziness, weakness and drowsiness. Not taking medications properly or as prescribed can also be hazardous.

Opticians

Have your eyes checked at least once a year and update your glasses. In addition to deteriorating vision, which can cause trips and stumbles, cataracts can inhibit vision which can lead to falls.

Update the bathroom

Make sure it’s anti-slip with sturdy hand bars around the shower and toilet. We can also help identify and order home safety equipment.

Hazards

We can take a look around your home and see what might cause a problem. A few simple adaptations can make your home much safer.

Hazards to look for

Proper lighting:

In addition to having enough lamps, be sure to install higher watt light bulbs. Also, make sure there are adequate nightlights.

Clutter:

Stacks of newspapers, magazines and other objects can be hazardous if they are near walkways.
Eliminate clutter by using baskets and bins to organise items.

Cords:

Lamp and appliance cords could be a trip hazard. Move items to minimise cords stretching across rooms and walkways.

Throw rugs:

Remove rugs, which can easily be a trip hazard and opt for clear pathways with wall-to-wall carpeting.

Reorganising rooms:

Consider rearranging rooms and adapt to live safer. For example, stairs are a top place for people to fall, it's better to eliminate or avoid them before a mobility problem arises. Think about moving appliances like microwaves to waist-level and also prevent reaching into high or deep kitchen cabinets and keep everyday items in arm-level drawers.

Get support

Make a list of the household chores that need to be done before the festive season begins and work with others to complete these as this can be safer than working alone.

Get a cane or walker fitting

It's tempting to buy a cane or walker from a home health aid store or even your local pharmacy, but a too tall or too short walker or cane can often cause more harm than good. Always check with a qualified physical therapist to determine if a cane or walker is necessary and get it properly fitted and learn how to use it correctly.

Have an emergency plan ready

Keep an emergency checklist along with details of important contact numbers of your family members and your healthcare support network. Communication in an emergency could be critical; check daily that your
phone line is working and your mobile phone is fully charged. Also check your essential numbers are programmed into devices.

If you would like further information on staying safe this winter, please do get in touch. You can call our office on 01296798910 and speak to our friendly team.