Be a winter buddy for the elderly

THE cold weather has prompted NHS Warrington to call on residents to become a “winter buddy” for older family, friends or neighbours.
Official figures from the Office of National Statistics show the cold weather can have a deadly impact on our health. Last year, there were an estimated 25,400 deaths mostly linked to circulatory and respiratory diseases.
Cold weather is especially dangerous for older people or people with serious illnesses.
But people can help to keep a friend, relative or neighbour safe this winter by volunteering to make necessary trips on their behalf to collect medicines and essential food items when it’s cold and icy outside.
Even simple things such as checking if lights are on and curtains are open can help keep a check on how neighbours are doing.
Heather Norman, health practitioner for NHS Warrington said: “The severe temperatures we’ve seen over the past few days will have left many of our residents struggling to keep warm. Cold weather is especially dangerous for older people or people with serious illnesses, so check up on them if you can. A quick visit to ensure everyone is warm and well can make all the difference.”
Each year NHS Warrington’s Winter Warm campaign helps older people to keep warm, well and safe.
The NHS is also advising people to make sure they stock up on some medicine cabinet essentials. Snowy conditions could mean that some vulnerable people are stuck at home – stocking up on medicines can help common complaints such as coughs, colds and earache.
For free help with shopping, attending appointments, changing light bulbs and claiming essential benefits contact Homelink on 01925 246978.