Tips for older people in harsh winter weather

Be Winter Ready is a website with a host of useful information for those who will be affected by the upcoming cold weather. You can visit the site here.

Here are some of the tips for Older People

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
If you have a fall, even a minor one, make sure you visit your doctor for a check up.
Fall protection 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

More at www.bewinterready.ie