Help your elderly friends and relatives stay well this summer
7 August 2018
Going on holiday this summer? While you’re busy packing your suitcase, don’t forget to check in on elderly friends, neighbours and family members before you go.
During the warm summer months, elderly people, especially those with long-term health conditions can become particularly vulnerable.
Daljit Athwal, Executive Director for Nursing – Interim at George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust said: “It is really important to look out for elderly people who are close to you and there are lots of simple things you can do to reassure them before you go on holiday.
“It can be as easy as letting them know where you’re going and when you’ll be back or doing a little bit of shopping for them to make sure they have the essentials whilst you’re away.
“Other small things like ensuring they have enough medication and a list of phone numbers they can contact if they need help such as their local pharmacy, GP and NHS 111, will help that person to stay well this summer.”
The NHS 111 service offers urgent medical advice when you need it. It is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is free to call from landlines and mobiles.
Advice on how to look after yourself or somebody you know, during the hot weather, can be found on NHS Choices at www.nhs.uk/summerhealth.