CARE leaders are asking people check on elderly neighbours who live alone in Worcestershire over Christmas.
Neighbours in the county are being asked by the National Association of Care Catering to spare a thought over the festive period for the 50 per cent of older people aged 75 and over who live alone.
The new campaign is simply asking everyone to spare some time to call in on at least one elderly relative or neighbour during the Christmas break to make sure they are keeping well and warm.
Last winter, 81 per cent of the total number of deaths recorded between December 2009 and March 2010 were pensioners.
Of the 25,400 adults who died from cold-related deaths during the last bitter winter, 20,600 were aged 75 and over.
The National Association of Care Catering (NACC) is a progressive organisation representing professionals providing catering to the care industry.
• Get the latest weather forecast here.
• Get the latest travel news here.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here