The snow can bring a lot of joy to the younger generations with families and friends heading outdoors armed with sledges, but for the elderly the cold weather and treacherous conditions can have a truly negative impact on their standard of living.
Those living alone are especially vulnerable so it is important to keep in touch with loved ones at home by themselves and to make sure they are taking care of themselves, keeping warm and are fully stocked up on everything they need so they won't be forced to venture outside on their own.
Wearing warm clothing when outside is vitally important for senior citizens and wearing several loose layers is better than restrictive tight attire.
In colder weather it becomes even more important to monitor what you eat and drink; alcohol for instance will speed up body heat loss so limiting your intake is advisable.
Porridge for breakfast is a cheap way to keep your energy levels up and protein from fish and meat will provide you with energy throughout the day.
Keeping the temperature of your home at around 21 degrees Celsius is ideal but on the other hand if that temperature drops below 16 degrees then as an elderly person you could run the risk of hypothermia.
If money is an issue make sure that at the very least the two rooms you use most are kept warm, for example, the living room and bedroom.
As a last resort you could ask friends and family to move your bed into the living room so that you can conserve energy by keeping that single room heated throughout the night.
Drawing the curtains in the evening will also help keep the heat in and the draughts out.
As long as you're prepared you can make sure that the cold weather doesn't have an adverse impact on your day-to-day life, but as a precaution it's still a good idea to keep in touch with friends and family when the conditions outside are hazardous.
St John's Hospital
St John's Hospital is a charity providing accommodation for older people in Bath, promoting independent living while creating a sense of community.
Residents are encouraged to continue with their social life outside of St John's, in addition they can join in a range of activities if they wish. Pub lunches and food demonstrations seem particularly popular.
The self-contained flats are situated at Combe Park, in Weston, and in the city centre, with a Care and Support team on each site 24 hours a day, administering personal care and responding to emergencies. St John's also provide an in-house maintenance service.
As part of a holistic approach, St John's also offers spiritual and pastoral care for those who want this support.For more details contact Carolyn Burgess on 01225 486408.
BCVS HOMES
The decision to move into residential care can be difficult, both for the person concerned and their family.
The philosophy at BCVS Homes is that care should be of the highest standards, but unobtrusive with the main concern being quality of life.
They will look after residents in a caring and sympathetic way; to ensure privacy and dignity are respected and to encourage active independence for as long as possible.
It is recognised that families and friends play an important role in the lives of residents.
They are welcome to visit at any reasonable time.
There is a small charge to help towards cost and all guests only need give at least one day's notice so the meal they choose from the varied menu is available and can be prepared on the day by the experienced cooks.
BCVS Homes is dedicated to caring for the elderly on a "not-for-profit" basis.
All profits are ploughed back into the company for the benefit of the residents.
The experienced staff receive ongoing training to ensure they continue to meet the needs of our residents and both homes have the Loop System for the hard of hearing.
Equality Care
At Longbridge Deverill House your plan how you want to live and we tailor our care to suit you, with the help of our professional staff.
We have a beautiful house, lovely gardens and all our rooms are large, with en suite facilities, some having baths and patios.
Our activities, if you wish to be involved, are wide ranging from poetry reading to collecting eggs from our own chickens, and a residents' computer room.
As our rooms are all single you can bring your own pets.
You can enjoy massage and tai chi and other therapies all included.
We have visiting clergy, hairdressers and entertainers.
Our staff are caring, motivated, well trained and there for you 24 hours a day.
And coming in 2013 is our new purpose built nursing home and dementia unit.
This exciting new project will include a leisure suite with a swimming pool and gym, a shop and a roof terrace restaurant overlooking the Wylie Valley.
We plan to bring the Community into Longbridge Deverill House.
Bluebird Care
Bluebird Care has just opened it's a new department which focuses on enabling and supporting individuals with learning disabilities.
Care workers are highly trained, with extensive practical experience across many different areas of learning disability.
These include behaviours that challenge, autistic spectrum disorders, complex health needs, physical disabilities and sensory impairment.
Bluebird Care Director Tim Rowland Jones said: "People with learning difficulties often tell us that they need trained staff to work with them to help them to get the most out of their lives.
"That is why we spend so much time setting up a care package which suits the individual and just what they want.
"The care we provide for people who have learning difficulties is absolutely tailored to each individual's needs."
There is no "one size fits all", he says.
Bluebird Care starts by talking not only to the individuals with disabilities but also to any advocates or stakeholders involved with family members and healthcare professionals.
It is always the customers' wishes that form the centre of the plan.
Tim added; "We never take the view that we know best.
"If we are asked for our professional view how a care plan might be put together we are happy to help, and always make sure that no unnecessary risks are taken but at the top of the list every time will be the personal wishes of our customer.
"It really depends on what our customer wants and what facilities are available, we also provide a full time live-in care service."
Contact Bluebird Care on 01225 445225 or email bath@bluebirdcare.co.uk.
Butterfly Home Help
Butterfly Home Help (BANES) provides an affordable alternative to residential care in Bath, Keynsham and the surrounding areas.
Butterfly is a well-established and experienced independent home care provider having served the BANES area for the past five years.
The family-run agency has a highly trained, dedicated team of carers and support staff who provide a professional service based on the needs and wishes of the individual.
The aim of Butterfly is to assist individuals to remain as independent as possible within their own homes and to treat all with dignity and respect. Butterfly also appreciates that those who use their services have the right to choose how and when their help is delivered.
This is why we carry out a free thorough assessment by meeting a prospective client in order to determine their preferences and requirements prior to commencing a package of care or domestic help.
Help can range from a weekly visit for domestic help or shopping to multiple daily visits seven days a week.
Butterfly staff are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year if required.
Help can be arranged for short term periods of time to assist with rehabilitation following a stay in hospital and Butterfly can also stand in for family and friends who wish to take a break and do not want to leave a loved one without support. Other services include: medication prompting, personal care, welfare checks, sitting services, overnight sittings and accompanying to appointments or outings.
If you would like to discuss any aspects of our services, without obligation, or are interested in a rewarding career, then please contact the manager, Mrs Tracy Usher or the care co-ordinator, Miss Sam Wright on 01225 835888.
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