Winter Tips

It is that time of the year again where coats, wellies, and gloves are coming out in force, however as we are currently experiencing the worst recorded winter since 1981-82 we at FRS Homecare have compiled a small list of handy tips to keeping warm and safe. We hope that you will find them useful;

o Wear a Hat - the heat lost from your head can account to up to 30% of heat loss from the body.
o Dress in loose fitting, light, multi-layered clothing. Wearing mittens if possible as this creates warmth between fingers.
o Always wear a water-proof jacket or coat, and shoes, and always change wet clothes immediately to avoid illness.
o Check small children and babies often as they might not be able to tell you how cold they are.
o Replace the rubber tip at the end of canes to avoid slipping.
o Remember even light exercise in the cold burns more calories as the body fights to remain warm, so remember to take more frequent breaks and have a small snack and warm drink. When out walking or doing any exercise in the evening remember to wear reflective clothing such as a vest or arm bands to signal your presence and give motorists a chance to gain clearance. Remaining active in cold conditions is important; even completing small tasks can help warm the body.
o Set your heating to come on in the morning before you wake, and to come on again at intervals through out the day to maintain the indoor temperature. The optimum temperature level is 18-20 Celsius, if you can not afford to maintain this temperature localise the heating, and heat the rooms which you use the most. Fill the gaps in windows and doors to minimise drafts, even the use of a blanket at the bottom of a door can help keep a room warmer.
o For especially damp and cold houses considering purchasing De-humidifiers or related products to remove excess water from the air. This is especially important in a house with a recovering patient, a senior citizen or new baby.
o Spread salt or salty sand on the steps, path or even drive way of your house to avoid slipping. Salt and grit can be purchased from farm supply stores in large and reasonably priced amounts.
o Be aware that there is a fuel allowance scheme which you may be entitled to claiming, information can be found on the Citizens information website or by calling them on 1890 777 121, or at your local Social welfare office.
o Stock up on non perishables such as canned goods to ensure that you do not run out if you are unable to leave your home for a few days.
o Before leaving your home to make any trips check the relevant road authorities such as AA road watch or even local Garda to help you choose the safest route.


Finally remember to visit elderly or sick friends, family or neighbours at this time of year. In the cold weather they may not be as mobile as they once were, and will be glad of both a helping hand and friendly face. Both St Vincent De Paul and Age action have urged people to call their local offices to both offer help and to avail of their services. Their numbers are as follows;
Age Action 01- 475 69 89
St Vincent De Paul 01-838 69 90
We would also advise that if you have any health queries or are experiencing difficulties reaching services to call your local health centre, or the HSE information centre on 1850 24 1 850.
If you have any more handy tips for keeping warm and safe this winter or any queries please do not hesitate to contact us. You call us, e-mail us or leave us a comment on our Facebook or Twitter pages.

Welcome to the FRS Homecare Blog

We at Frs have enjoyed thirty years in business throughout Ireland. In this time we have developed strong links and working relationships within communities. With this in mind we are now utilising both our community links and recruitment background to provide a new service, Frs Homecare.

Frs Homecare will cater for all your Homecare needs, from companionship, to specialist care. Our team consists of highly trained and Garda vetted carers who can allow you to regaining independence, over come hospital care or even help with Pre- and Post- Natal care for both you and your baby.

With regular blog updates we aim to keep you, our customers, up to date on the latest health related issues. We would also like to hear any feedback that you would like to share with us on our services or blog material.