A leading Shropshire care company is supporting elderly and vulnerable people living across the county with safety advice for how to tackle the cold and giving out FREE information temperature gauges.

The message from Bluebird Care, based in Shrewsbury and covering the town, as well as Church Stretton, Much Wenlock, Oswestry and the rural areas in between, is stay safe and look after yourself and others during the winter.

Ian Barnes, director of the company which helps people to stay living independently in their homes instead of having to go into residential care, said: “With the news promising one of the worst winters for decades, it’s imperative that we look after the old and vulnerable people living in our communities.

“If you know someone who may be vulnerable, isolated, or living alone who might need your help to check on them please do. There are a number of steps people can take to care for a loved one during the cold weather, which can be a very real threat to the health sand safety of a vulnerable person.

"To help, we have produced some safety points and have provided every one of our customers with this advice and a free information temperature gauge. These help to check rooms are at the right temperature during the winter and can be placed somewhere magnetic or stuck to a surface.”
Steps suggested by Bluebird care to help tackle the cold include:

• Get your free flu jab. If you are aged 65 or over, pregnant, have certain medical conditions, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person you may be entitled. Ask your GP surgery for more information.

• By setting your heating to a comfortable temperature (18-21 °C, 65-70 °F), you can keep your home warm. Keep your bedroom windows closed at night when the weather is cold.

• Look after yourself. Layer your clothing to stay warm and wear shoes with a good grip if you need to go outside.

• Food is a vital source of energy, which helps to keep your body warm. Try to make sure that you have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day and keep active in the home if you can.

If you would like to request a thermometer and a copy of the cold advice guide from Bluebird Care, please call 01743 874343 or email Shropshire@bluebirdcare.co.uk

For further advice or help, please contact Bluebird Care Shropshire or visit the website www.bluebirdcare.co.uk/shropshire