WITH a stormy, wet winter forecast, Gloucestershire homecare provider DoCare is urging people to keep an eye out for their elderly neighbours.

The Met Office’s three month forecast revealed the country could face one of its wettest winters ever, with conditions said to be perfect for powerful Atlantic storms.

Although temperatures may not plummet, wet and windy conditions are just as hazardous for elderly people, who are vulnerable if they venture outside or face the alternative of isolation in their homes.

“We’d ask everybody to be a good neighbour this winter and check on any elderly people living nearby, especially if they live alone,” said Una Mills, Operations Director for Stroud-based DoCare, which provides support for people living at home throughout Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire and West Oxfordshire.

“If the weather is wet and windy, then older people will be putting themselves at risk if they venture out, so it’s all the more important for friends and neighbours to pop in to see if they need any provisions, make them a hot drink, or just spend time chatting.”

DoCare staff are also encouraging clients, most of whom are elderly, to be prepared for winter.

Their advice is to: • Keep warm by wearing several thin layers of clothing • Keep living rooms at 21C and bedrooms at 18C • Get the heating system serviced and the chimneys swept • Take up invitations from the GP to have a flu injection • Use a hot water bottle, wheat bag or electric blanket to warm the bed • Eat at least one hot meal a day • Keep basic food items in, so the freezer and larder are stocked