Stay warm and well this winter | Care For The Carers

The temperatures are on the rise, but it is still important people stay warm and well this winter.

If you look after a relative, friend or neighbour, we would like to encourage you to focus on your wellbeing, improve your physical health and maintain social connections. This winter there is more need than ever for you to look after yourself and the person you care for. Colds, flu and being able to stay warm at home can all affect your ability to stay well. You can register with us for support and to get information that can help you in your caring role. Find out more about being a carer.

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 and an autumn COVID-19 booster this winter.
Wear shoes with good grip when outside to avoid slips and falls on slippery or icy surfaces.
Keep bedroom windows closed at night if possible.
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 before the holiday period starts and ahead of bad weather when forecast.

Be protected

Consider boosting your immunity with the flu and Covid-19 vaccine. Adult carers are prioritised to receive their winter vaccines. This year, it is important that we protect ourselves and others against the flu. It is also advisable to attend, when invited, for your COVID-19 Booster jab. If you would like further information on winter vaccines, find out more or get in touch with us.

You can book your Covid-19 seasonal booster (or other doses) on-line: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/ or speak to your GP. It’s easy to do and there is a number of dates and locations available. Seasonal boosters are available for number of people including those aged 16 and over who are a carer, either paid or unpaid.

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.

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 – identifying vulnerable people at risk from living in a cold home
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.

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. We are here for all carers.

We also have free digital resources available for carers that includes e-learning, information and interactive guides. Find out more here.

Please be aware our offices are closed from 3pm on 23rd December until 9am on 3rd January.

Photo by Keenan Barber on Unsplash