Keeping warm in winter

As we age, we often find it harder to stay warm – and many elderly people don’t want to worry their loved ones with things like feeling the chill, or the are living on a tight budget, so struggle to keep cosy as heating gets more expensive.  

As we age, we often find it harder to stay warm – and many elderly people don’t want to worry their loved ones with things like feeling the chill, or the are living on a tight budget, so struggle to keep cosy as heating gets more expensive.

There are some benefits available to help heating homes which your loved ones might be entitled to claim – find out more about the winter fuel payment here https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment - but if you or a loved one are still struggling to stay warm, here are some more tips that can help.

Insulation in the home is perhaps a large expense – but, again, there are options for help funding this – and the difference that it makes to heating homes more efficiently, and retaining that heat, is enormous. It will cut bills significantly when the heat is trapped inside the house, keeping costs down long term.

There are, however, some cheaper alternatives which can also make a big difference short term.

Simple things like keeping doors closed means that you can keep at least the living room and bedroom warm – trapping heat inside with draught excluders and thick, heavy curtains covering those spaces that warm air can escape from – and cold air can sneak in.

Draught excluders come in all kinds of shapes and sizes – but if you can’t find one or want a solution in a hurry, rolling a towel up to place across the gap under a door is just as effective.

Adding extra layers – warm cardigans, slippers, blankets when sitting in armchairs or on the sofa – makes things cosy, and can keep the cost of heating down.

If the home has wooden or tiled floors, adding some carpets – even rugs or mats in areas someone might stand for cooking or washing up – keeps feet cosy; just be sure to have non-slip carpet grips which stop them being a slip or trip hazard!

Another favourite is the good old electric blanket – a quick and effective way to pre-warm a bed and make it snuggly and comfortable ready for a good night’s sleep – but be sure not to sleep with it switched on all night long!

We are also fans of cuddly heat packs – which come in plain fabrics or in many novelty styles with bears, penguins, cats and many other friendly little faces, which can be warmed in the microwave and cuddled for lasting warmth and bring a smile to the faces of so many elderly people.

With this many options, there’s no reason for your loved ones or neighbours to struggle with the winter weather – please call or pop over to check on family members or neighbours who may be feeling the chill, and help them to protect themselves.