Page 22 - br-nov-2018

November 2018 November 2018
BERE REGIS
OBITUARIES
SURGERY NEWS
Prior to retirement Gordon bought some land in a very rural part of
France and restored a ruined cottage on the site. He and Patsy Flu Clinic
enjoyed spending time there in spring and autumn. They had something of a
love/hate relationship with the local edible dormice (Glis glis). There is a scheduled Flu Clinic being held at
the Scout Hut, Bere Regis on Saturday Nov
After his retirement Gordon and Patsy moved to Bere Regis, chosen because of 3rd 8.30-1.00pm. These are booked
the facilities the village offered. They were looking ahead to the time when appointments only. If you are eligible for a
they might lose their driving licences and thought a bungalow close to a flu vaccination and have not yet had one,
doctor, dentist, local shop and post office, would make it easier to remain in please contact the Surgery.
their own home as long as possible. They found the village to be very friendly
and welcoming. Local people were particular tolerant and helpful as Patsy’s There will also be a cake stall and an opportunity to enter a raffle at this event. All
dementia took hold. Gordon’s family still do not know how many back gardens proceeds will be in aid of the Carers’ Christmas Party. There will also be an
Patsy visited and how many cups of tea she was given and guidance home. opportunity to donate to a Food Bank Charity.
The village walking group provided very welcome stress relief for Gordon, one
of his few means of relaxation when caring for Patsy. The Pop In Place at the Keep Warm, Keep Well This Winter
Drax Hall provided a warm welcome to Gordon and Patsy.
Keeping warm over the winter months can help prevent colds, flu or more serious
Gordon was proud of all 3 of his children, his 4 grandchildren and his 3 great- health conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression.
th
grandchildren. He was looking forward to the arrival of his 4 great-grandchild,
his son John’s first grandson, in January. Keep Your Home Warm
During retirement, until a stroke in 2017, Gordon always refused help in the If you have reduced mobility, are 65 or over, or have a health condition such as
home, even when acting as sole carer for Patsy, his wife, during her prolonged heart or lung disease, you should heat your home to at least 18◦C and make sure
period of dementia (Alzheimers) until her death, in 2010, at Dorset County that you wear enough clothes to stay warm. It’s a good idea to keep your
Hospital after a stroke. He did all the housework, gardening including bedroom at this temperature at night.
hedgecutting, chainsaw work and pollarding trees from a ladder. After taking If you are under 65 and healthy, you can safely have your house cooler than 18◦C
up judo in his 40s he continued to follow a daily regime of strengthening and
flexibility exercises. At the age of 94 he still drove at least twice a week to do if you feel comfortable.
shopping at the towns of Wareham and Blandford Forum. You can also use a hot water bottle or electric blanket (but not both at the same
time) to keep warm while in bed.
He bore the effects of his 2017 stroke with grace and fortitude. He was able to
remain in his own home, with the support of live-in carers, district nurses and Eat Well in Winter
Bere Regis surgery until shortly after his 96 birthday, when he suffered a further
th
stroke and died just over a week later in Dorset County Hospital. Food is a vital source of energy, which helps to keep your body warm. Try to make
sure that you have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day and keep
active in the home if you can.
Wear Warm Clothes
Wrap up warm, inside and out. Layer your clothing to stay warm and wear shoes
with a good grip if you go outside. If possible, stay inside during a cold period if
you have heart or respiratory problems.
Help Your Neighbours in Winter

Check on older neighbours or relatives to make sure they are warm enough

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