The Met Office has issued weather warnings for across Britain as high winds and heavy rain are set to approach this week.
Weather warnings could be a “danger to life” with gusts of 80mph forecast when many people are planning to travel home for Christmas. Along with strong winds, the majority of the UK is expected to receive heavy rain, which could mean potential flooding as a result.
These severe weather conditions can often leave the elderly in a vulnerable position, with studies indicating that the number of deaths among the over 60s typically increases during the winter months.
Claire Baker, an elderly care expert from TakingCare Personal Alarms has shared some advice on how to support the elderly as brutal weather fast approaches:
“Environmental hazards like high winds could significantly increase an older adult’s risk of a fall. Cold weather and icy and wet surfaces increase the risk of falls for all of us, but falls for older adults can have more significant consequences, particularly those who are unsteady on their feet or have existing mobility issues.
“It’s important to check up on your loved ones as weather warnings increase in the UK this winter. With high winds, cold temperatures and severe rain on the horizon, it could put elderly people in a vulnerable position, leaving them unable to get out and about as usual.
“We are advising people to check and make sure your elderly loved ones have enough supplies to last them at least a week, so they don’t have to venture out into a dangerous environment for food, toiletries and other household essentials.
“Make sure they are eating well to keep their body weight maintained. Body fat helps the body to stay warm.
“Along with eating well, it is important to stay hydrated, because if you don’t drink enough, it is more likely for you to feel light-headed which increases the risk of a fall.
“As the temperature drops outside, it is crucial to keep homes as warm as possible for the elderly, because when their body temperature drops below 95°F or lower, it can result in severe health conditions such as hypothermia.
“Older adults aged 65 or over or with a heart or lung health condition should maintain their home temperature to at least 18 degrees. If you or your loved ones have central heating, keeping the thermostat at 21C during the day and decreasing the temperature a few hours before bed is ideal. “The weather warnings are likely to continue throughout the winter period, which is why it’s vital that family members, neighbours and carers are aware of some of the potential issues they may face to ensure older people remain safe this winter.”