Winter can be a challenging time, but taking steps to ensure your wellbeing can make a big difference. From staying warm and eating nourishing foods to getting your flu jab and maintaining good hygiene, there are many ways to stay healthy. It’s also important to look after your mental health by staying connected with others and finding enjoyable activities. By being prepared and proactive, you can make the winter months more comfortable and enjoyable.
Keep moving
Keeping active is key to staying strong and mobile, which boosts both your physical and mental health and helps prevent falls. As it gets colder, make sure to bundle up in layers when you head outside for a walk. Watch out for slippery autumn leaves and ice in the colder months, as they can make falls more likely. Sprinkling salt and sand on walkways can help, and wearing shoes with good grip is a must. Checking the weather forecast before you go out can also help you prepare and stay safe.
If you’re worried about falling at home, why not take a look at one of our support packages? Knowing you can press a pendant and a responder will be available to help you 24/7 is a great source of comfort and will allow you to continue living your life with independence.
Support packagesWarm home
Keep your home cosy by maintaining a comfortable temperature in your main rooms during winter. Open curtains during the day to let in sunlight and warmth and close doors and use draught excluders to block out cold night air. Hot water bottles are a cheap but effective way to stay warm throughout the day and night. Use rugs on hard floors or wear slippers to prevent your feet from getting cold. At night, ensure you wear warm nightwear and good socks to bed – keeping your feet and hands warm will keep your whole body warm.
If you’re worried about heating your home, it may be worth checking your eligibility for winter benefits. Look out for the ‘money help’ information section further down.
Good meals
Eating foods that help you stay warm is important during winter. Aim to have at least one hot meal a day such as soups, stews, and even hot drinks like tea can make a big difference. It’s also a good idea to stock up on basics like frozen foods and tins, they can be just as nutritious as fresh items. If possible, try and keep a variety of food in stock to ensure you have plenty of options if the weather turns and it’s harder to pop out to the shops.
Top tip – Keep some long-life milk in your cupboard so if the weather is too bad to go to the shop, you can still stay warm with a hot brew.
Stay healthy
Winter vaccinations, like flu jabs, are so important – be sure to check if you’re eligible for a free one. Being prepared with any necessary medications and even remedies is super helpful if you get poorly as it means you don’t have to venture out.
It sounds simple, but maintaining great hygiene by washing hands and using tissues can help prevent illness. Be sure to also have good air circulation in busy environments and avoid unwell people. If you can’t wash your hands, using a hand sanitiser is the next best thing to ward off nasty germs.
Shorter days and dark nights can also affect your mental health and sometimes lead to loneliness. Stay connected with your family and friends and plan activities to keep your spirits up.
We offer reassurance calls and visits to provide extra checks on our customers’ health, safety and wellbeing – this peace of mind, especially in the winter months.
Reassurance calls and visitsMoney help
Boost your winter income by checking your if you’re eligible for the following government benefits.
Cold Weather Payment
If the temperature is recorded as, or forecast to be, below zero degrees celsius over 7 days.
Cost Of Living Payment
To help with the cost of living, if you’re entitled to certain benefits or tax credits.
Pension Credit
To help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income.
Budgeting Loans
Can help you to pay for furniture, white goods, rent in advance, maintenance and much more.