As the winter season sets in, it’s essential to prioritise the wellbeing of our elderly loved ones, who are more vulnerable to health challenges during this time. Cold weather brings an increased risk of flu, pneumonia and depression, along with other serious concerns like heart attacks and strokes. Older people often have weaker immune systems, making them more susceptible to illnesses in winter, and pre-existing health conditions can worsen due to colder conditions.

There are many easy ways to ensure that our elderly loved ones stay warm, well and healthy during winter:

• Keeping Homes Warm: Ensure the heating system is in good working order, seal any drafts and heat only necessary spaces to save energy.
• Layer Up: When heading outdoors, dress in cosy layers to trap warmth close to the body.
• Stay Vaccinated: Keep up with vaccinations, including annual flu shots.
• Minimise Exposure: Try to avoid contact with anyone presenting flu-like symptoms.
• Maintain a Healthy Diet: Incorporate warm, nutritious foods like soups and stews into your diet, staying hydrated with warm drinks.
• Stay Active and Social: If able, engage in moderate activity such as short walks to generate body heat, promote circulation and maintain a good mood.

If additional support is needed, reach out to your local GP for medical care, vaccinations and guidance. Support from your community is always essential – family, friends, and community groups can be relied on for assistance and companionship. Respite care at a local care home is also an option for those requiring extra support; they can provide 24/7 inclusive care in a warm environment.

Remember that with the right precautions and help, everyone can enjoy the season while minimising health risks. B&M Care provide support and respite care to our local communities (see: https:// bmcare.co.uk/our-care/respite-care/) so please contact us if you need using our dedicated customer support team on 0333 234 1975 (available 9am–5pm (Monday–­Friday) or via email to info@bmcare.co.uk for any questions and advice regarding the care that B&M Care can offer a loved one.

http://www.bmcare.co.uk

We’ve just received an update from the HertsLynx team that will be of interest to many of our readers, especially those who use the service regularly.

Due to increased demand for transport across the area, HertsLynx is adding two new vehicles to its fleet in the coming weeks. This is great news for passengers, as it should mean more journeys are available to book.

However, there’s an important detail to be aware of: these new vehicles are smaller minibuses and do not include step-free access. They may also look slightly different to the buses you’re used to seeing.

What this means for you

If you require a vehicle with step-free access – for instance, if you use a wheelchair, walker, or have difficulty with steps – it’s essential that you inform the HertsLynx team before making a booking. This ensures that your journey is assigned to a suitable vehicle.

You only need to do this once. Once your account has been updated, the system will remember your requirements for all future bookings.

How to update your access needs

You can update your preferences in one of the following ways:

By phone

Call the HertsLynx Support Team on 01992 555 513. Give them the name on your account and let them know you require step-free access. They’ll update your account for you.

Online or via the App

1. Log in to the HertsLynx app or booking website.
2. Scroll to the ‘Passenger(s)’ section.
3. Click or tap the icon to the right of your name.
4. Select ‘Type of seat’, choose the correct option, and confirm.
5. Repeat for any other passengers you may have on your account.

Once this is done, your details will be saved and you won’t need to update them again.

Why this matters

If step-free access is not noted on your account, it’s possible a smaller bus without this feature will be assigned to your booking. In that case, you may not be able to board the vehicle, and unfortunately, the journey may have to be cancelled.

Need help?

If you have any questions or run into difficulty, the HertsLynx Support Team is happy to help. Call 01992 555 513 or email hertslynxsupport@hertfordshire.gov.uk.

We’ll continue to bring you updates on local transport and community services as they come in, so stay tuned.