Elderly get help to combat cold

THE clocks go back tonight (Saturday) – and health chiefs in Warrington have stepped up their support for older people in readiness for the cold winter months ahead.
As the temperature dropped sharply, Warrington Public Health team, in partnership with other local organisations, released a free winter calendar which includes advice on common problems older people may face during the colder weather.
It includes top tips from health experts on how to cope with feelings of isolation during the winter months, keeping homes home warm, where to go for help when a boiler breaks down and how to get a benefit check which may help towards winter fuel bills.
Jan Holding from Warrington Public Health said: “Older people are at particular risk in winter because they are more likely to live in homes that have poor heating and insulation and are often on low, fixed incomes that make them particularly vulnerable to rising energy costs.
“We hope to encourage as many people as possible to read this guide so they can prepare themselves for when the really cold weather sets in. National guidance tells us that there are vital steps that can be taken to help reduce excess deaths in winter amongst vulnerable older people. These range from making sure they get regular medical reviews and benefits advice to ensuring that they have well insulated and warm homes over the winter months”.
The guide is also supported with information on how to access local services such as Age UK, Citizen’s Advice Bureau, Warrington Borough Council and Warrington Home Improvement and Information Agency.
The Healthy Ageing calendars are available free for collection from Warrington Health Promotion Resource Library, Orford Jubilee Hub. Call 01925 843729/30 to place an order.