Severe cold weather can be dangerous for vulnerable groups such as older people and those with serious illnesses.
Preventative action taken at this stage can greatly benefit vulnerable groups during the cold weather. West Lothian Council can provide support, information and advice relating to vulnerable people during severe weather. We can all make a real difference by identifying family or neighbours who may need an extra helping hand during winter.
We would urge anyone who can to check on those around you, particularly the vulnerable that may need help or assistance.
People who are at risk include:
Anyone who is vulnerable and at increased risk as a result of a significant disability or medical condition.
People living alone with no-one else to help them and having a significant disability or medical condition.
West Lothian Council Careline
If you have West Lothian Council Careline equipment in your home, please let the West Lothian Council Careline team know if you are going away to family and friends over Christmas and New Year. You can do this by simply pressing your Pendant and speaking to West Lothian Council Careline.
When you are going out, press your AWAY button -this will prevent West Lothian Council Careline from disturbing you, your friends and family, or even the Police, in the event that we received a no movement call from your lifeline unit.
Your Doctor's surgeries are closed over both Christmas and New Year; please ensure that you have enough medications to see you through.
If you do not have access to West Lothian Council Careline Home Safety Service already, you can apply:
In bad weather our phone lines will be very busy. If you already use our services and want to find out if bad weather is affecting them, before phoning the council helpline please try and contact the team you are receiving services from direct.
If you are receiving services from an external care provider, please contact them directly for any service updates.
If you have any concerns or in an emergency, you can also contact us:
For many carers, getting out of the house isn't always easy and it's even harder during the winter months. Leaving the person, you care for might be impossible or only possible if there is alternative support in place.
It is important if you are caring for someone that you look after yourself and are also prepared for winter weather.
Make sure that you as a carer are getting the right support and help you need - Carer Support
Get repeat prescriptions filled in advance during severe weather and be aware that many surgeries and pharmacies will close over the Christmas and New Year period.
Try to keep to your routine and stay in contact with family and friends.
Try to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables - stews and soups are a great way to do this. There is help available, such as meal delivery and help with shopping. Contact our Advice Shop for help or contact our Adult Social Care Enquiry Team.
Keep active around the house and try not to sit in the one place for too long. (if you find it difficult to move about, stretching your arms and legs can also help keep you warm)
Winter weather can increase your risk of falling. Wear shoes with good grip when you go outside to avoid slips and falls on slippery or icy surfaces.
Don't delay treating minor winter ailments like colds or sore throats. If you, or someone you care for starts to feel ill, first get help and advice for treating cold and flu symptoms from your local pharmacy. Don't go to A&E unless you have an emergency. If you are in any doubt, call 111 for help and advice to get the right treatment.
Winter can be a hard time for some people. Colder weather and darker nights may mean it's harder to get out and about and could leave you feeling isolated. If you are finding it hard to cope with low mood, sadness, or depression it is important to try and talk to someone.
Try talking about your feelings to a friend, family member, health professional or carer.
Stay connected by accessing local activities, support, and community groups.
You can also access direct help to a variety of council and health services through our Community Connections Hubs. Community Connections are drop-ins, offering friendly face-to-face support within the community and online. Staff are on hand from a range of services including Access-2-Employment, Health and Social Care, Occupational Therapists, Social Security Scotland, and Welfare Rights to chat with you in accessible locations across West Lothian.Community Connections Hubs
Contact supports such as Samaritans or Breathing Space. They are there for anyone who needs to talk.
Here in West Lothian, we have a very useful website WESTSPACE (opens new window) that has lots of information on ways to help with your mental health and wellbeing.
· Check the weather forecast and the news for updates.
· If bad weather is forecast, make sure you have everything you need at home and check you've got enough medication and food in case it's harder to leave the house.
· Take simple measures to reduce draughts in your home before winter. For example, fitting draft excluders and having curtains on windows.
· Make sure appliances are safe and working well.
· Set up prescription collection and delivery service. Many pharmacies now offer free delivery services for prescriptions. This makes ordering repeat prescriptions super easy and convenient if you are unable to leave the house, or simply do not have that time or means of travel.
· Ask for telephone or video appointments with your GP, health professional, social worker, or council support. Although there are times when it is seeing a health or social care professional face to face is important often appointments work just as well online or by telephone. For more information on Near Me (opens new window) the online platform used by NHS Scotland and West Lothian Council.
Older people are particularly vulnerable during the winter.
Look out for signs of hypothermia, such as drowsiness, slurred speech and the person not complaining of feeling cold even in a bitterly cold room.
Watch for signs of malnutrition and dehydration. If you are worried someone isn't eating enough, and may be malnourished, try to encourage them to see their GP.
Feeling of loneliness and isolation are more common in winter months, especially when the weather is bad. Try and stay in touch with people and check in on them regularly.
Make getting out and about easier for those less able by helping to keep paths and driveways clear of ice and snow.
Offer to shop for essentials or run small errands for someone who is worried about leaving the house because of the weather.
