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Devonians asked to help elderly get ready for autumn
| Published: 25th August 2020 13:37 |
DEVON residents are being asked by a leading home care agency this month (August 2020) to help prepare elderly relatives, loved-ones and neighbours for the autumn and the inclement weather to come.
HomeLife Carers says as the cooler temperatures set in, so too does the heightened risk of seasonal-related illnesses, falls and loneliness, as the elderly and vulnerable stay indoors more.
Katie Jewell, Regional Manager for HomeLife Carers, which has offices in Barnstaple, Okehampton, Plymouth and Tiverton, explains: “While many of us don’t consider the change in season has much of an impact on us, it can affect the elderly more than you realise, so it’s important to make sure they are prepared for the change and that their homes can cope with the conditions.
“For many older people, like our service users, they will have spent a great deal of time this year at home already. Some will be feeling very worried about the autumn and winter months ahead, the threat of the pandemic and having prolonged periods on their own facing loneliness, which can shorten life expectancy too.
“We’re encouraging the kindhearted and caring people of Devon to keep their elderly relatives, friends and neighbours in mind and to make sure they’re comfortable and warm this autumn, while abiding by any relevant and current social distancing rules that are now applicable due to COVID-19.
“If your relative, friend or neighbour has a heating system, it needs to be serviced yearly by a qualified engineer to ensure it’s running safely and efficiently before the really cold weather arrives. You should also test any electrical heaters to make sure they work properly – but remember, they should not be left unattended at any time.
“It’s important to make sure they have blankets within easy reach of beds and chairs and that they have plenty of jumpers/cardigans in their wardrobe to wrap up in.”
Now is the season for flu-jabs too and elderly people, along with those aged 50 plus this year, will be invited along to their GP surgery to have theirs.
Katie added: “You could help provide transport if you have a four-door car, so your passenger can sit away from you in the back seat and both parties wear masks. It’s also a good idea to stock up on cold and sore throat remedies.
“Don’t forget any outside space around the house, including front and back gardens. The combination of falling leaves and wet weather can cause slippery surfaces so if you can, rake up leaves and clean pathways and steps. You could even add handrails if needed.
“Autumn into winter often means that we stay indoors for longer and for your loved-one to have a whole day at home with no plans can be quite daunting, so be sure to encourage elderly friends and relatives to have some home hobbies to help keep their mind active.
“It’s also a good idea to try and up the amount of contact you have with your loved-one during the week and at weekends as the nights start to draw in, but please play close attention to all the current guidelines issued by the Government with regards to in-person contact.”
HomeLife delivers personalised home care supporting people wishing to stay living safely and comfortably in their own homes in Devon.
For more information about HomeLife, please visit https://www.homelifecarers.co.uk.
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