Care firm’s winter help advice

A Coatbridge-based care firm is sharing advice for Monklands residents to help older relatives, friends and neighbours stay warm and well throughout the winter.

Mears, which has its North Lanarkshire office at Souterhouse Road, provides care at home services to 3500 older and less able people across Scotland.

Their tips include staying warm by wearing layers, having regular meals and hot drinks, keeping active by walking around the house – and heating only the main living area, plus the bedroom for a short while each night, to help if heating the whole house proves difficult.

Also among their advice is going out for a short daylight walk if possible; staying in touch with friends and family during dark days; and restricting alcohol consumption as this can cause loss of body heat.

Mears recommend giving extra help to those with dementia, who are“particularly at risk during very cold spells [and] might not be able to communicate that they are cold [or] struggle to operate the heating”.

They also suggest being prepared with a torch, batteries, emergency numbers and supplies; and ask that neighbours help keep paths clear of snow and ice.

North Lanarkshire service manager Nyree Doyle said:“We’d encourage everyone to look out for neighbours and those less able, who may be living alone.

“Staying connected with other people is also very important as isolation can be a factor – many would appreciate extra help or company and support is even more important in the shorter days.”