Advice for Older Adults and their Families to be winter Ready
Winter is coming! Actually it’s already here. Winter can be a very difficult time for older adults. The harsh weather can make it harder to get out and about, increasing social isolation and worries around keeping warm.
Recently, the Government has developed a campaign called “Winter Ready” with tips and guides to help people get ready for the harsher months ahead. Down below you will find the information pertaining to older adults and their families.
Keeping Well and Warm
- Keep warm, eat well and avoid unnecessary travel. You should eat regular hot meals and drink plenty of fluids, this will keep you warm and will give you energy to keep active
- Ensure you have sufficient supplies of food and of any prescription medicine you may need. Keep active indoors
- Have sufficient fuel supplies to maintain adequate heating in your home
- Ask your relatives and neighbours for help if you need it. Keep their phone numbers on a list beside your phone
Personal Safety – Staying Safe
- In icy weather, wear well-fitted shoes with non-slip soles if you have to go out but try to limit walking outside during the cold weather
- Consider wearing a personal alarm so that family or neighbours are alerted if you fall
Advice for Older People and their Families and Neighbours
If you have a fall, even a minor one, make sure you visit your doctor for a check up
Fall prevention in your home
- Leave a low energy light on at night time, preferably one with a high light output
- Use a non-slip shower or bath mat
- Make sure wires or cords from lamps, telephones etc. do not trail where you walk
- Arrange furniture so that you can easily move around all your rooms
- Remove rugs or use non-slip tape or backing so rugs will not slip
- Consider installing hand rails on both sides of the stairs (finances permitting of course)
Keep safe this winter – for more information visit www.hse.ie
Keeping an eye on older people and infirm
Try to call on older relatives and neighbours, and offer to assist them in severe weather.
- Ensure that they have sufficient supplies of food and medications
- Ensure that they have sufficient fuel supplies to maintain adequate heating in their homes
- If you have any doubts about the safety of an older or infirm person seek the assistance of the Garda Síochána or local social services
