Top Tips
Winter is a time when health can be seriously affected and illnesses like the ‘flu’ and pneumonia can lead to serious complications. Follow our simple top tips to keep well this winter:
At Home:
• Wear several thin layers of clothes rather than one thick layer
• Choose clothes made with wool, cotton or fleecy materials
• In the coldest weather wear bed socks and a hat, as well as thermal nightwear
Outdoors:
• Wear several thin layers of clothes under your coat
• Always wear something on your head
• Wear warm, flat, non-slip shoes or boots.
Eat Well
Follow these suggestions for eating well this winter:
• Aim to have at least one hot meal a day and have hot drinks regularly throughout the day
• Have a hot drink before bedtime
• Prepare a thermos flask of a hot drink to have by your bed in case you feel cold in the night.
Keep Moving
• Moving around generates extra body heat, so any kind of activity will help to keep you warm.
• Don't stay sitting still for long periods.
• Spread chores out during the day so that you can alternate between rest and activity.
• Moderate exercise, such as walking, has real health benefits.
Keeping a Warm Home
Take these steps to get your home ready for winter:
• Fit draughtproofing to help seal gaps around windows and doors
• Lay insulation in the loft to reduce heat loss
• Ensure your hot water cylinder and pipes are lagged, including pipes in the loft
• Check your heating system is working properly and serviced at least once a year
• Make sure you know how to set the heating controls
For our full list of top tips and a downloadable check list, please see our keeping well in winter document below.
Guidance for CQC Inspectors Outcome 5: Meeting Nutritional needs
Download file
Dysphagia Diet Food Texture Descriptors - April 2011
Download file
NACC Spotting the Signs of Malnutrition & Dehydration
Download file
Spotting the signs of Malnutrition Leeds leaflet
An example of literature for use in the community.
Download file
Water for Healthy Ageing
Hydration Best Practice Toolkit for Care Homes
Download file
