Norfolk's carers urged to stay well this winter
Posted: 25 Oct 2016, 11:00As the clocks go back this Sunday, Norfolk Carers is teaming up with local pharmacies, as part of their "Carer Friendly" pharmacy initiative, to urge carers to stay well this winter and take steps to avoid getting ill when the cold weather strikes.
Kevin Vaughan, from Norfolk Carers says:
"If you're a carer, looking after someone who is ill, frail or disabled, and go down with 'flu, or another bug, it's not only unpleasant for you, but it affects your ability to look after someone else. Winter ailments can also have a more serious effect on anyone who is older, or who has a disability or health condition."
Lauren Seamons, from Norfolk's Local Pharmaceutical Committee (LPC) says:
"If you're looking after someone it's important that you look after yourself too and take advantage of the fact that pharmacies are open extended hours and at weekends for advice that's free and without the need for an appointment."
Top tips for carers to stay well this winter:
• Get a 'flu jab - A number of pharmacies are offering flu jab, which are free if you're 65 or over and you may also be eligible if you are the main carer for an older or disabled person.
• If you're 65 or over you may be able to get a vaccine to protect you from pneumonia and other similar diseases. Just speak to your GP.
• Visit your local pharmacist as soon you start to feel unwell; if you think you are going down with something, a cough or cold, don't wait until it gets worse. Pharmacists can advise on the best course of action to help you recover more quickly, and advise on which medicines you should have in your cabinet to help you and the person you are looking after.
Other tips include:
• Keep warm - Heat your home to at least 18 C (65 F)
• Make sure that you are receiving all the financial help you're entitled to with energy bills - call Norfolk Carers Advice Line for details.
More information about staying well this winter is available from your local pharmacy or from Norfolk Carers Advice Line on 0808 808 9876
Text only: 07497 002864
W. norfolkcarers.org.uk
F Norfolk Carers
Twitter: @norfolkcarers
Kevin Vaughan, from Norfolk Carers says:
"If you're a carer, looking after someone who is ill, frail or disabled, and go down with 'flu, or another bug, it's not only unpleasant for you, but it affects your ability to look after someone else. Winter ailments can also have a more serious effect on anyone who is older, or who has a disability or health condition."
Lauren Seamons, from Norfolk's Local Pharmaceutical Committee (LPC) says:
"If you're looking after someone it's important that you look after yourself too and take advantage of the fact that pharmacies are open extended hours and at weekends for advice that's free and without the need for an appointment."
Top tips for carers to stay well this winter:
• Get a 'flu jab - A number of pharmacies are offering flu jab, which are free if you're 65 or over and you may also be eligible if you are the main carer for an older or disabled person.
• If you're 65 or over you may be able to get a vaccine to protect you from pneumonia and other similar diseases. Just speak to your GP.
• Visit your local pharmacist as soon you start to feel unwell; if you think you are going down with something, a cough or cold, don't wait until it gets worse. Pharmacists can advise on the best course of action to help you recover more quickly, and advise on which medicines you should have in your cabinet to help you and the person you are looking after.
Other tips include:
• Keep warm - Heat your home to at least 18 C (65 F)
• Make sure that you are receiving all the financial help you're entitled to with energy bills - call Norfolk Carers Advice Line for details.
More information about staying well this winter is available from your local pharmacy or from Norfolk Carers Advice Line on 0808 808 9876
Text only: 07497 002864
W. norfolkcarers.org.uk
F Norfolk Carers
Twitter: @norfolkcarers