With ‘thunder snow’ and a cold snap set to hit much of the country and with accident and emergency departments already struggling to cope, The College of Occupational Therapists has issued a set of top tips to help people stay well and avoid needing a trip to hospital.
A staggering 40% of all ambulance call outs are due to falls, which are the single biggest cause of death from injury in the over 65s. In an effort to help people, especially older people, to stay well and avoid injuries during the cold and icy weather the college has issued the following advice:
- Ask yourself - do I really need to go out?
Could you arrange for a delivery or for a relative, friend or neighbour to pick up essential supplies? - If you do need to go out is there someone who can go with you?
- Make sure you have had something to eat and drink before you leave.
Dehydration and lack of nutrition can increase the risk of falling. Consider taking a drink and snack with you as well in case you are out longer than you expect. - Warm up before you head outside.
If your body feels stiff take time to move around within your home before stepping outside. - Wear supportive footwear which has good grip.
This will help with balance and stability. It may not look glamourous but neither does a hospital gown! - If you have a walking aid such as a walking stick or frame - use it!
- Wrap up well and stay warm - wear several thin layers of clothing.
- If you have one, take your mobile phone with you.
If not, tell someone you are going out and let them know when you are safely back home.
Karin Orman, Professional Practice Manager at The College of Occupational Therapists who pulled together the tips explains that Occupational Therapists are working hard across the country to reduce the pressure on the NHS:
"Cold weather always results in extra strain being put on our Ambulance Services and A&E departments. With the NHS struggling to cope it is especially important that everyone does everything they can to avoid them needing a trip to hospital. That is why we have pulled together these easy to follow tips to help people to avoid trips and falls as the winter bites.
Thousands of Occupational Therapists are working flat out across the country to help the NHS to avoid unnecessary admissions and ensure that when people are admitted to hospital they can get back home as soon as they are well enough to do so."
A year-long study by the College of Occupational Therapists has demonstrated how occupational therapists can not only reduce hospital admissions but also improve patient flow and earlier discharge once people do find themselves in hospital. The ‘Reducing Pressure on Hospitals’ report published in November identifies six recommendations to ensure occupational therapy services are supported to help more people avoid admission to hospital or return swiftly home once admitted. Access to occupational therapy at the hospital front door cuts admissions and discharge delays, reducing the time medically fit patients spend in hospital.