Brrr! Time to wrap up warm
Making bathtime the pleasure it should be
WITH parts of the UK expected to be blanketed in snow, it’s time to break out the scarf and gloves you were given for Christmas.
For older people, a cold snap like this can be a particular worry, raising the risk of a heart attack, a stroke or even hypothermia if they get chilled.
So if you are venturing out, the advice is to wrap a scarf around your face to help warm the air you breathe. Wear layers to trap warm air and keep your feet snug in boots with a warm lining and a good grip.
If you’re sitting down, a shawl or blanket will provide a lot of warmth, says Age UK. But try to keep your feet up, as the air is cooler at ground level.
Have a hot drink regularly, and if you find moving about difficult, keep a flask handy. Wearing warm clothes in bed and using a hot water bottle or an electric blanket is also a wise idea. Your living room temperature should be around 70f (21c), and the rest of your home needs to be at least 64f (18c). Close the curtains at dusk and keep your bedroom window closed at night.
Know how to contact your neighbours by phone — it’s easy to be out of touch in the winter. Sign up to a Royal Voluntary Service Good Neighbours service to receive regular contact. WHAT better way to soak away winter aches and pains than with a warming bath or shower? But if you are at all unsteady on your feet, it is important to make sure you have safety products in place to help you. A bath lift provides a way to enjoy a comfortable soak again, without having to change your bathroom. State-of-the-art technology is used to gently lower you into and raise you out of the bath. Simply sit on the saddleband, then use either the wall control or the floating remote to lower yourself safely and comfortably. When you have finished, use the same controls to rise up again. Enjoying the chance to relax in a hot bath is one of life’s great pleasures, and the therapeutic benefits can be numerous.
ALTERNATIVELY, an adapted, easy-access shower will boost bathing confidence. A grab bar helps with balance, while also alleviating some of the pressure that standing can put on the back. A shower chair or fold-down seat gives a place to rest for someone who can’t stand for long. Combine this with a hand-held shower head — and you can wash yourself easily while remaining seated.