With low temperatures over winter, it is important to stay warm and well.

If you look after a relative, friend or neighbour, as well as looking after those you care for, we would like to encourage you to focus on your own wellbeing. Being able to stay warm at home can all affect your ability to stay well.

Keeping warm over the winter can help prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression.

NHS Sussex is warning about the health risks of the cold weather by offering simple tips to stay well during low temperatures:
  • Avoid exposure to cold or icy outdoor conditions to avoid putting yourself at a higher risk of cold-related illness or falls.
  • Don’t delay treating minor winter ailments like colds or sore throats. People can visit their local pharmacist for advice and treatment.
  • Try to maintain indoor temperatures to at least 18°C, particularly if you are not mobile, have a long-term illness or are 65 or over.
  • Those aged 50 or over and carers are advised to take up the offer of a free flu jab.
  • Wear shoes with good grip when outside to avoid slips and falls on slippery or icy surfaces.
  • Keep bedroom windows closed at night.
  • Look out for friends and family who may be vulnerable to the cold, and ensure they have access to warm food and drinks and are managing to heat their homes adequately.
  • Ensure those who are vulnerable get any prescription medicines ahead of bad weather when forecast.
Other ways to help you stay warm

As weather warnings are in place across the country, including the south east, we want to share some tips for keeping yourself and those you care for, warm and well.

LAYER UP- wear extra layers to keep heat in. This is important for outdoors and indoors, especially for those who are vulnerable or unwell and may be sitting still for much of the time. Wearing lots of thinner layers is better than one thick layer.

EAT REGULARLY – eat at least one hot meal a day, and eat regularly to help you stay warm.

HOT DRINKS – have regular hot drinks throughout the day. Remember to also drink plenty of water.

HEATING – heat your home to between 18 and 21 degrees. If this is difficult, heat the room people are in as best you can. Closing curtains at dusk or earlier can help retain heat in your home.

TAKE CARE OUTDOORS – if you have to go out, make sure to wear shoes with non-slip soles for better grip on ice, as well as extra warm layers, such as jumpers, coats, scarfs, hats and gloves. Especially in the morning, or after snow, ice on the roads and pavements can cause slips and falls.

TRAVEL – be mindful of possible disruption to travel if you have to get to appointments etc.

REMEMBER TO LOOK AFTER YOURSELF – while you care for others it can be easy to forget about your own needs.

Be protected

You may still be able to boost your immunity with the flu and Covid-19 vaccine this winter.

You may be eligible for a covid vaccination. If you have not been invited for your vaccination, you can find out about places you can go for a walk-in Covid vaccination here.

Note that Winter COVID-19 vaccinations will not be available after 31 January 2025. COVID-19 vaccinations will be available again in Spring. The NHS will contact you if your NHS record suggests you may be eligible.

Flu vaccination – carers are eligible for a free flu vaccination through the NHS if they receive a Carer’s Allowance or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if the carer gets sick. If you feel this applies to you, you should be able to request one from your GP surgery or local pharmacist. You may also be eligible for a free flu jab if you are aged 65+, pregnant or have a certain health condition. Find a local pharmacy offering flu vaccinations here

If you are poorly with flu, you can find some advice on the NHS Sussex website here.

Other support

Have you considered planning to cover unexpected events? The East Sussex Carers Card identifies you as a carer, and that someone depends on you in an emergency. It also gives you the option to connect to a back-up plan for replacement care should you need it. Find out more about the free Carers Card here, it’s easy to apply on our website.

You may be able to receive financial support to keep you well and warm, as well as financial entitlements or a grant as a carer. Contact us to find out more.

Keeping warm and well
Living in a cold home during winter can be harmful to health and wellbeing. The East Sussex Warm Home Check service offers anyone struggling to keep warm at home advice and help to access the support available. You can access or refer the person you care for to the service online, and there’s plenty of advice about staying warm and information on the Priority Service Register. Alternatively text WARM to 80011 or call 0800 4647307.

Find your local Community Fridge
Community fridges are for everyone. People from all walks of life visit their local community fridge to pick up surplus local food at bargain prices. Find your nearest Community Fridge here.

Priority Services Register
Energy suppliers and Network operators will both keep a Priority Services Register. Joining this means your supplier has a duty to give extra help when needed, for example if there is a power outage or if the water supply is cut off, to name just a few examples. Join your utility provider’s Priority Services Register with Ofgem here

Sussex NHS is reminding anyone struggling to heat their homes to ensure they get all the help they are entitled to. Grants, benefits and advice are available to make homes more energy efficient, improve heating or help with bills.

Find out more ways to save energy in your home from GOV.UK, or call the government helpline on 0800 444 202.

Find out more from GOV.UK about benefits and financial support for those on a low income.

Are you aware of the range of services on offer to you as a carer?

To make receiving information easy and all in one place for you, we have a professional team who can help and support you in your caring role. Contacting our friendly team is the first step in getting ideas and guidance to suit your situation. We recognise that one size does not fit all, which is why having a chat with our team will help you understand what is available to you. Find out more about how we can help and please get in touch on 01323 738390 or by email at info@cftc.org.uk. We are here for all unpaid carers.

 

 

 

 

Photo by Keenan Barber on Unsplash

Care For The Carers