14th October 2022
This winter, UK households are set to be faced with soaring energy prices, so it’s important to know what can be done to help manage the expected increased costs, and particularly support elderly loved ones during the colder months. So, we thought we would share our staff’s energy-efficient tips they give to their clients in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge, to help keep warm throughout this cost-of-living crisis.
How to keep warm while keeping costs low:
When the temperature drops, suitable clothing is an important factor in keeping elderly people warm. Make sure that your loved one wears warm layers, including vests and thermals when it’s very cold, that can be easily removed if they get too hot. Socks and slippers are essential for keeping feet warm, and a blanket over the legs can be used for some extra heat, if necessary.
During cold periods, open curtains during the day to let sunlight in and close them as soon as it starts to get dark to prevent heat loss. You should also shut doors to unused rooms which helps to keep much-needed heat in priority areas of the home. Draft excluders around windows and doors can also help to keep drafts at bay.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, the average UK home wastes £86 per year because appliances aren’t switched off at the plug. So, a quick and easy way to keep costs down is to ensure that when you visit your elderly loved one, you are checking that all switches and plugs that aren’t in use are turned off.
Filling up a thermos with your loved one’s favourite hot drink or soup which they can drink throughout the day, saves a trip to the kitchen and several uses of the kettle, plus it will keep them warm on the inside.
Hot water bottles or heated blankets are great in adding another layer of warmth to your loved one, it helps keep the energy costs down too, as you are heating them and not just the room!
Elderly people are more vulnerable to the cold as the aging body is less able to preserve heat and circulate it around the body. So, it's imperative that you keep your loved one warm during Winter. We hope our staff's energy efficient ways to keep warm have given you some ideas for when
you are looking after an elderly relative.
If you’d like to know more about our home care services, or are considering a career in caring, please feel free to give us a call on 01892 529429.