Spread a Little Holiday Care This Year

Look in on your elderly family members and neighbors as there are many that spend the holidays alone.

With the New Year just around the corner and a lot of the country suffering from very cold weather, keep an eye out for your elder family, friends and neighbors, help out with shopping or just pop round for a chat.

It only takes a few minutes to ask after a neighbor, popping your head round the door to say hello, sharing a hot drink or offering to get some groceries can make all the difference to those who are lonely or vulnerable. 

Thanksgiving and Christmas are about being together, happy times for many of us, but for some it means a time of isolation and being alone.

With news reports of severe weather warnings and plunging temperatures already in place for a lot of the country, all the more reason to check on the needs of others and remain vigilant to the risks faced during periods of very cold weather. Checking in on someone not only brings holiday cheer but also offers peace of mind that they are keeping well.

People - especially the elderly - should take extra care to avoid slips and falls and be aware vehicles might take longer to stop than normal. People who are frail or have health conditions should stay inside if at all possible.

It is nice to go carol singing with a treat in hand, but also check they are warm enough, ensure there is enough food and medicine in the house and if they need to go out offer to accompany them during very cold weather.

Older people value their independence but it can all too easily turn to isolation for those that struggle to get out of their homes. The most valuable present you can give this year might simply be a visit or a phone call to an older neighbor, friend or relative.