Top tips on how to keep warm in winter
Published: 06/03/2024
The winter festive season is now here, Right at Home Barnet & Edgware 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 and enjoy the festive season.
Heating System
- Check your boiler has been serviced before the winter season starts.
- Always have electric heaters just in case the boiler is not working as long periods of cold will affect your immune system.
- Maintain a consistent temperature inside your home.
Easy ways to stay warm in your house
- Keeping curtains open during the day will help you heat the house as the sun is a natural heat.
- Closing all doors inside will keep the rooms warmer for longer period.
- Wearing socks and slippers while you are at home can help with circulation.
Healthy foods for winter
- Drinking warmer drinks regularly such as green tea as this can keep your body warm.
- Avoid drinking alcohol as the affects will make you feel warm but in fact, it causes more harm as it causes your blood vessels to be restricted.
- Avoid drinking caffeinated drinks because this will cause you to urinate more frequently and that another way to lose heat because the fluid is keeping your body warm.
Keep moving to keep warm
- Regularly moving around the house will keep your blood circulating.
- We would advise to move around at least once an hour.
- Keep your feet elevated while you are sitting down as your feet are closest to ground which is colder.
How to stay warm outside
- When going outside try and wear wool, cotton, and a fleece, as well as layers and this will keep your body insulated.
- Wear gloves and scarf and a hat when you go outside and try keep your skin covered.
- If you can try and buy heated gloves and foot warmers.
- Stay dry as nothing chills you like wet skin.
- Carry water with you as you tend to get more dehydrated when its colder outside.
Snow and Ice Safety Tips
Be careful of ice in the mornings especially on the road and pavement as it easy to slip and fall. It’s common for people who are unsteady on their feet to be at risks of falls during the winter months.
A few things you can do to prevent this from happening is wearing shoes with good traction and non-skid soles.
We advise when it’s snowing and icy outdoors you remain inside until its cleared otherwise you will be risks to falls. If you do go outdoors and return home, take your shoes off before entering the house to avoid slippery conditions inside the house.
Speak to our team to learn more about staying safe this winter.
Tips to keep you safe indoors
During the winter season you will be staying at home more often so Right at Home Barnet & Edgware will provide you with some tips to stay safer at home. If you think you or a loved one requires extra support at home, please reach out to our friendly team. Our team of CareGivers help with a wide range of services such as housework, shopping, physical assistance, personal care and medication support.
GP
A few causes of falls can be Low blood pressure and Diabetes so this decrease sensation in lower extremities. On the other hand, falls are preventable, if you are unsteady on your feet, you should see a doctor for a full physical evaluation, they can provide additional help if needed.
Opticians
Have your eyes checked at least once a year to see if you need glasses or update your glasses as your eyesight can change and if you are wearing the wrong glasses then this can lead to falls.
Bathroom Safety
Install sturdy and anti-slip hand bars around the showers and toilet. We can also help identify and safety equipment for the home during our home assessment.
Be aware of safety hazards in your home
Right at Home Barnet & Edgware can look around your home and see what might cause a problem. We can advise what you can order to make your home much safer.
Lighting
Having a few lamps around the house might not be enough you can add high watt light bulbs this will make the house much brighter and easier for you look around. Making sure that all the lights bulbs are the same so that the brightness levels are not changing in every room, and this can also be a risk of falls.
Electrical cords & Clutter
Make sure appliance cords are tucked away properly as this can be a trip hazard. Stacks of newspaper and magazine are hazardous especially around the walkway. Right at Home Barnet & Edgware can help organise and clear all the clutter and to ensure the cables for appliance are tucked in a safe way.
Contact the Right at Home Barnet & Edgware team to find out how we can help keep your loved one safe especially during the winter season.
