7/1/10 Be a Good Neighbour while it Snows

Look out for the old and vulnerable

Can you help?

The County  council is doing everything possible to continue its services to older and vulnerable people, but it is  calling on anyone who has a 4x4 and can help to contact them.

It is also urging people to keep an eye on those people within their communities who could be isolated and struggling.

There may be older people who are not looked after by social services that still need help.  It is vital to make sure they are comfortable, warm and well supplied with food and drink. In the cold, icy weather, people tend to be less active because of a fear of falling, resulting in people getting too cold.

The county council's Hme Support Workers (HSWs) are getting out to the most urgent, vulnerable cases, but it is difficult to get out to some people, particularly in rural areas. Many home support workers are walking miles in the snow to reach people but this is extremely tiring. If anyone can help by offering their 4x4 to drive them to visit service users, they can contact 01242 532562 (Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and the North Cotswolds), 01452 426190 (Gloucester and the Forest of Dean) and 01453 760547 (Stroud) and leave their name and number. They will then be contacted if needed.

All service users are being contacted to check if they are safe and that relatives can get to them. With all of the councils day centres closed due to the snowy conditions, service users have been contacted and many of their staff are volunteering to carry out home care visits and deliver meals.

Both WRVS kitchens (in Stonehouse and Cheltenham) that provide hot meals to older and vulnerable people are operational and cooking but delivery will be a problem in some areas. WRVS is prioritising the routes that are still open and 4x4s  are being used where available, with several people calling in to offer their vehicles for use. Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service has put all of its 4x4 vehicles into operational service.

Anyone WRVS cannot get to who normally receives a meal will be called to check they are safe and have enough food. When a delivery cant be made, the county councils adult helpdesk is informed, and home support workers and local volunteers help with reaching people in areas that are cut off. The county councis Village Agents are also out and about visiting the people they know could be at risk in the cold weather.

Cllr Tony Hicks, Gloucestershire County Council Lead Cabinet member for Community and Adult Care, said:

It is vital though that people look out for each other too and check on their elderly neighbours, particularly those who dont have family living nearby and those that might be cut off in rural areas. And we would call on milkmen and postmen to check on people they know might need help on their rounds.

Currently, all of the county councils locality offices are open. If you have any concerns about an older or vulnerable person, contact the county councils Adult Helpdesk on 01452 426868. Click here for more help.

How to be a good neighbour:

• Encourage people to use a blanket or rug or wear a dressing gown and drink hot drinks to keep warm while sitting.

• Checkportable gas heaters are safe.

• Make sure there is a supply of fuel within safe reach. Make sure paths are cleared and well salted

• Check elderly people have enough food and milk to last them and that they have any prescriptions they might need.