How can homecare help you through the winter?
With prices of energy bills and food all going up, people are looking at ways to save money, while staying safe and warm this winter.
By having a care professional regularly visit your house they can spot any potential issues with energy efficiency, ensuring there aren’t any windows or doors left open, that draught excluders are placed under the doors or that the heating is optimal for you. Small actions such as turning off unused appliances and making sure you have plenty of blankets or are wearing suitable clothing can all help towards keep your heating and energy bills as low as possible. With the cost of living on the increase every little helps towards making your house as energy efficient as possible.
GoodOaks care professionals can also help with your shopping and meal preparation, as the nights draw there is nothing better than enjoying a homemade casserole or stew to keep you warm and full during the winter nights. Our care professionals can ensure your fridge and cupboards are well stocked with nutritious and seasonal food that you enjoy.
Swansea Bay Hospital Trust have reported that they treat around 30 people a year for burns from perished hot water bottles. They are a great accompaniment during the winter period however can cause injuries when not maintained or used correctly. We’ve put together some helpful tips to keep you safe when using them:-
- Check for wear and tear or damage – Hot water bottles should be replaced every 2-3 years to ensure they are safe to use.
- Don’t fill with boiling water – This is a general misconception, you aren’t mean to use boiling water to fill them up, use cooled water instead.
- Don’t fill it more than two thirds full
- Make sure the stopper is on tight but not too tight
- Get rid of excess air before putting the stopper back on
- Do not lie directly on a hot water bottle
- Hot water bottles and electric blankets DO NOT MIX
If you would like to find out more about how a GoodOaks care professional can help you or your loved ones remain living safely and independently at home, simply find your local branch here and speak to our helpful care team.