Winter can be a very hazardous time, especially for the most vulnerable people in the community. There is a direct link between cold weather and an increase in death rates, especially amongst older people and others in at-risk groups.
Remember – winter need not be dangerous if you take the right steps.
Looking for trouble:
If someone has had an accident in their home, fallen or injured themselves or been taken ill, they might not be able to attract the attention of their neighbours or people who call at the door. Always be on the lookout for signs that something might be wrong, especially when the weather is cold.
There are many signs to look out for:
- Milk not taken in late in the day
- Newspapers stuck in the letterbox
- Curtains drawn during the day
- Lights burning during the day
- Home in darkness when there should be someone at home
- Dog barking all day or the cat scratching to be let in
Prevention:
Clearly, it is important to prevent people from becoming cold in the first place. Family, friends and neighbours in the community can look out for those who might be at risk from the cold. Prevention is always easier than the cure! Those who are at most risk may be eligible for extra financial support.
Hypothermia:
Hypothermia is a lowered deep-core body temperature of 35C/95F or below. It is the lowered temperature of the organs inside the body which is important – an ordinary thermometer cannot measure this.
You may not actually feel cold, but if you sit in a cold room and do little or nothing to keep warm then you run the risk of becoming hypothermic, or becoming ill with bronchitis or pneumonia. Both are cold related illnesses.
Watch out for the danger signs!
- Drowsiness
- Very cold skin on parts of the body normally covered
- Slurred speech
- Absence of complaint about feeling cold, even in a bitterly cold room
If you are in doubt:
- Move the person into warmer surroundings if possible
- Wrap the person in a light layer of blankets or a duvet to avoid further loss of body heat. Give them a warm, nourishing drink
- Call the doctor or nurse
- Do not subject the person to any sudden extreme change of temperature – so do not put them next to a fire or give them hot water bottles or heavy layers of clothes or blankets
- Do not give them alcohol, as it will stimulate further heat loss through the skin
For information:
Winter Warm Front Grants
If you receive an income or disability-related benefit or credit, such as Income Support, Housing Benefit or Pension Credit, and either own your own home or rent it from a private landlord, you may qualify for a Winter Warm Front Grant. For further details call free phone: 0800 316 2805 or go to the Warm Front Scheme website.
Download the ‘Keep Warm, Keep Well – winter 2010/11’ booklet from the Department of Health website: Keep Warm, Keep Well
Age UK offer essential information for keeping safe and well through the winter months. Contact them on free phone: 0800 00 99 66, or go to the Age UK website.
Related Links:
Blackpool LINk (Local Involvement Network)
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