Winter is coming - Advice for New Members.
Winter is fast approaching and (unfortunately) there are quite a few new Forum members, so I thought I’d pass on some tips we’ve learned over the years and there is a Be Prepared theme running through this post 🙂
Other, non-related things to be aware of are:
Love Ellie.
- Flu vaccine: this annual vaccine is recommended for those of us with MND and for family carers and this year it’s even more important to get it.
- Pneumonia vaccine (PPV23): this one-off vaccine is highly recommended too and protects against community acquired pneumonias. It can be given at the same time as the flu jab, in the other arm.
- Energy provider priority: get on the priority list of your energy provider(s) In the event of power outages you will (or should!) get priority reconnection. Some providers may provide generators or, if your area is prone to storm damage, it’s handy to know where you can hire one locally.
- Keep batteries charged: we know when storms or inclement weather events are due, so make sure any battery-operated equipment is fully charged in cause the power goes – hoists, wheelchair, NIV, food pump, communication devices/tablets/PCs/phones etc. If you totally rely on any piece of equipment, a back-up battery is a good idea.
- Know your stock of meds: if a storm or snow is forecast, make sure you have enough meds to tide you over if there’s disruption.
- Keep muscles warm: the cold can really affect us so now is the time to stock up on thermals, including socks, and general warm clothing (OK, not exactly Catwalk Fashion, but needs must 😁) If heavy duvets cause trouble turning in bed, consider an electric blanket (on a timer switch) beneath you and a sheet and lightweight warm fleece blanket over you. Hot water bottles and microwaveable wheat packs come in handy too.
- Icy conditions: the ‘No Fall’ rule we have can be more difficult to obey when the footpaths are covered in lethal snow or ice, so please be careful and don’t take chances, poor balance is part of MND 😯
Other, non-related things to be aware of are:
- Council tax: you may be entitled to a band reduction now or in the future, check with your Council.
- VAT exemption: mobility and other aids are exempt from VAT, although sometimes it’s cheaper to buy from that giant online store, VAT paid, than to buy VAT exempt from disability sites… And home adaptation works such as wet rooms and downstairs bedrooms should be VAT exempt (as Miranda always helpfully points out 👍)
Love Ellie.
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