Senior Living Keeping warm this winter
AS we find ourselves in the depth of winter, elderly people throughout the country will be struggling to keep themselves warm – sometimes with fatal consequences. Staying warm this winter can be the difference between life and death, so it is crucial that you do all you can to keep the cold away. At home, the safety room temperature is between 17C and 25C. With fuel bills on the rise, achieving this may seem an expensive task, but there are ways to keep costs low. A keyhole cover costs only a couple of pounds but will help keep the draughts out in cold weather. Thermal linings to your curtains also help to keep the heat in. Make sure you check out the benefits and grants available to help with insulation and energy efficiency, such as cavity wall insulation. Paul Coles, chief executive of Age Concern Maidstone, said: “One of the
best ways to keep warm is one of the simplest: wear several layers, rather than one thick layer. This is because they trap warm air close to the body. “If possible, opt for clothes made from wool, cotton or fleecy fabrics. A lot of heat is lost through the head and neck, so if you are chilly indoors, do not feel too proud to wear a hat and scarf. “Your body keeps warm by burning food you've eaten, so make sure you have regular hot meals that contain carbohydrates, such as potatoes, pasta, bread and rice. Try porridge with hot milk for breakfast and soups and stews for lunch and dinner. “It may seem obvious, but you need to ensure that windows and internal doors are closed when it is cold – this will keep heat inside, where you most need it.” It is not just the elderly who need to be alert at this time of year. The cold
winter months are when younger people need to consider the health of their neighbours and to keep in regular contact with them. Lynda Rootes, client service manager at Age Concern Maidstone, explained: “If you live near an elderly person, pay close attention to any tell-tale signs of ill health, such as the curtains being shut for a prolonged period of time or milk remaining on their doorstep all day. “In periods of bad weather, be a good neighbour and offer to pick up their shopping or prescriptions or take them to a doctor’s appointment.” *Age Concern Maidstone has five ‘Eat or Heat Crisis Kits’ to provide in the event of an emergency, such as a boiler breaking down or an electric power cut. The charity is able to deliver gas powered portable heaters, single and double hobs. For information, call 01622 753618.
Maidstone
“Promoting the welfare of the older residents in the Borough of Maidstone”
As an independent local charity we believe that older people should remain free to choose the services they require. Our objective is to provide variety of services aimed at improving the quality of life for elderly people at a price they can afford.
• A vibrant Day Care Service in seven locations throughout the Borough in partnership with Golding Homes and the PCT • If required, transport can be provided to the Day Care facilities on our fleet of mini-buses • Community Foot Care Services in the home or at our nearest clinic. • Community Bathing Service in the home. • Independent Living Support for those that need help with their housework, garden or shopping • Disability Travel Vouchers on behalf of Maidstone Borough Council • Computer Classes for the over 60’s • Impartial information and advice signposting service • A list of local traders that have been recommended to us by older people • Wheelchair Hire from our office in the town centre • The Goodman Centre for clients with Dementia • A range of volunteering opportunities to support us in our work
For more information on all our services, please feel free to contact us at: 11, Mill Street, Maidstone, Kent. ME15 6XW Between the hours of 10am-4pm Monday – Thursday, 10am-2pm Friday Or telephone us on 01622 753618 Or email:
info@ageconcernmaidstone.org.uk Or visit our website:
www.ageconcernmaidstone.org.uk
32 Mid Kent Living
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