Staying warm in winter: How care can help you get proactive

By Tinga Umera, Managing Director, Nexus Care Services

With the summer behind us and the weather taking a chilly turn, it’s time to take a look at how we can help everyone stay warm and healthy this winter – particularly those receiving home care.

We know that cold temperatures can make it more difficult for everyone to stay well – but they can pose a particular risk to elderly people or those with health conditions because:

• Cold, dry weather may make your immune system work harder to fight viruses
• People with reduced mobility can find it more difficult to be active when it is icy or dark
• The winter often brings widespread illnesses such as colds and flu.

We therefore take great care to emphasise the importance of taking small steps to reduce the impact of consistent cold weather – which you can discuss with your carer to stay as warm as you need.

Staying warm in winter

As the temperature drops and the days get shorter, staying warm can be more of a challenge than in the summer months, particularly for those who are elderly or have a health condition.

To keep warm and protect your health and wellbeing while keeping costs low, you can:

• Embrace layers – Multiple thin layers of clothing can keep you warmer than a single thick layer, so try to have a jumper or extra pair of socks on hand if you need them
• Keep out draughts – A draught excluder (or a rolled-up towel or blanket) can keep draughts out of your home, keeping you warmer and reducing your heating bill
• Eat a hot meal – Hot food is an excellent way of staying warm, and items like soup can be inexpensive and stored for a long time.

Your home carer can help you to take these steps if you need some assistance, as well as supporting you with staying active, mobile and well-nourished. We understand the importance of balancing support with independence.

Heating your home

Heating your home is crucial to staying warm in the colder months. In addition to helping you stay warm, a carer can help you take small practical steps to keep your home warm as well, such as:

• Making sure that heating isn’t left on overnight
• Ensuring that all windows and doors are properly shut
• Putting on your heating in rooms that you use or that get very cold.

With care support, you can keep your home at a comfortable temperature throughout the coldest months! This is a crucial element of staying warm and well, which will enhance all the other benefits of receiving care support at home.

Keeping you warm is always a priority for our care team because it can have a significant impact on overall health and your ability to be active. Steps can be tailored to you, depending on your health needs and personal preference, which is one of the major advantages of at-home care.

With this approach, we can keep out the cold and keep everyone in the community warm when it matters most.

For further support with staying warm and healthy this winter, please contact our team.