Be a guardian angel to your elderly neighbours, friends, and family members this winter. Follow these steps to ensure their safety and well-being.

Keep in touch and offer practical help

1. Reach out: Regularly check on your family, friends, or neighbours.
2. Assist with errands: Offer to go to the pharmacy or grocery store for them.

Tips for keeping them safe outdoors

1. Footwear: Ensure they wear shoes with good grip to prevent falls.
2. Warm clothing: Advise them to wear warm clothes and cover their mouths with scarves when going outside.

Falls – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Health and prescriptions

1. Prescriptions: Make sure they refill prescriptions before pharmacies close for holidays.
2. Health appointments: Help them get to essential health appointments. 

If you’re worried about their wellbeing

• Local council or Age UK: If you’re concerned, contact your local council or call the Age UK helpline at 0800 678 1602 (available 8am to 7pm every day).
• Medical emergencies: If you suspect someone has hypothermia or needs urgent medical assistance, call NHS 111.

Find out about charities supporting older people at Christmas 

The Age UK network provides a wide range of services to support people later in life  Use the Age UK service finder to find out about local services.