Sarah’s Carers launches free cold weather checklist

With snowfall and cold weather set to continue for days ahead, Woodbridge-based care agency Sarah’s Carers has published a free guide to help the elderly to stay safe and well during colder weather.

The 16-page ‘Winter Checklist’ is targeted toward those with older family members who currently live independently. It offers practical advice on keeping loved ones warm, safe and well throughout the colder months, alongside guidance on recognising how and when extra help may be needed. Featuring contributions from Active Suffolk and Suffolk Mind, the booklet builds on Sarah’s Carers’ experience in providing home and live-in care in the community for over seven years.

Sarah Seaman, Founder and Director of Sarah’s Carers, said: “Winter can be a tough time for everyone, especially for the elderly. On top of this, the ongoing pandemic has increased the risk of frailty which in turn may increase the risks of hypothermia and falls at home. People worry more about fuel bills and tend to keep homes colder than they should and lack of mobility prevents moving around and getting hot drinks, hot food or even turning the heating up.

So, it’s now more important than ever to check in on older friends and family members to ensure they are safe and well – both mentally and physically. Aside from advice and guidance, our Winter Checklist provides an opportunity for you to check if your loved ones are coping, and to consider whether they need additional help or support in any way.”

Alongside sections on staying healthy, eating well and sleeping well, the guide also features guidance from Active Suffolk, the active partnership for Suffolk, highlighting the importance of keeping active during the winter.

Nick Pringle, Senior Development Officer for the Health and Wellbeing Team at Active Suffolk, said: “Keeping physically active is important all year round and the benefits it has on your physical and mental health are endless. In fact, we know that being physically active can reduce your risk of major illnesses, such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and cancer by up to 50% and lower your risk of early death by up to 30%.

Despite the known benefits, we understand that being active can be more challenging during the colder, winter months. Whilst the paths are icy, walking may be out of the question, however movement in the home can be just as effective.”

Nurse-led and established in 2013, Sarah’s Carers is a Suffolk-based home and live-in care provider with a mission to raise the bar on what good quality, personalised care should be.

You can download the Winter Checklist here

To find out more about Active Suffolk, visit www.activesuffolk.org