Welcome to the Ask The Surgery website. This is a free website for visitors who have health related questions they would like answered by staff at NHS GP surgeries, in England.
Read more about the Ask the Surgery website
This service is not for use in an emergency or replace a medical consultation at your Doctors' surgery.
Winter Care questions
Since my father passed away at the beginning of the year I am now caring for my elderly mother. This will be the first winter that I have dedicated my time to caring for her and I am worried about the impact a very cold winter will have on her. What recommendations do you have for keeping her healthy over this period?[Click to show/hide answer]
Winter poses a particular threat to older people – yet taking a few simple precautions over this period could prevent illness. If you’re mother is over 65, I recommend she considers having her flu vaccination as she is considered at greater risk of developing serious complications of flu, such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Ensure that she keeps warm at home, elderly people should wear lots of layers of clothing inside the house at winter – this is a vital way of protection against the cold. Make sure she is eating at least one hot meal a day and topping up with hot drinks will insulate her body against the cold and keep her fluid levels up. Elderly people should take part in light activity daily if possible, even if it just means going for a walk, this keeps circulation going and your body temperature up. For specific health concerns about your Mother I advise you to speak to your doctors’ surgery in more detail. Further advice and support can be found on the NHS Choices website, www.nhs.uk, through caring organisations such as Cross Roads Care, www.crossroads.org.uk, or Age UK www.ageuk.org.uk.
As your mother’s main carer you are also entitled to a flu vaccination.