The colder months can be a daunting time for elderly and vulnerable people who may struggle to access the support and information they need to heat their homes efficiently and affordably. There is a lot of evidence to show that elderly people and those with pre-existing health conditions are much more likely to suffer from ill health as a result of a living in a cold house. Although the number of people struggling to heat their homes is always growing, it can be hard to spot whether someone you know needs support with their home energy. This article aims to help you look after the people that you know by spotting the signs of fuel poverty and gives you some advice on what you can do to help.
In the UK, excess winter deaths have reached their highest levels since records began. The fact that we all know the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has had a large role to play in this only serves to highlight the importance of creating a warm and comfortable living environment that helps to protect the most at-risk people from respiratory illnesses, circulatory problems and mental health issues.
This year Age UK’s The Cost of Cold campaign is aiming to highlight both the health impacts of cold housing and the likelihood that many more older people will find themselves struggling to pay their energy bills as a result of fuel price increases. They estimate that over one million older households already live in fuel poverty (which means they cannot afford to adequately heat their home), with up to 150,000 more set to join them over the coming months.
With the recent turn in the weather, many of us will start to worry about the health and wellbeing of our vulnerable or elderly loved ones. But what can you do if you’re concerned that your relative may be struggling to heat their home sufficiently?
Signs someone may be struggling
It can be difficult to spot when someone is struggling with fuel poverty as it’s experienced within the home, our most private space. However, there are some signs you can look out for:
- Does it look like your relative might be living in one room? If they are worried about money and struggling with their energy bills, they might choose to limit the heating in the rest of the house and stay in one room.
- Have you spotted them wearing outdoor clothes around the house? Lots of elderly people struggle to stay warm if they have mobility issues that prevent them from moving around, so it might not be unusual to see your relative wearing thermals in their living room. However, hats and scarfs worn indoors might be a sign they’re worried about putting the heating on.
- Have you heard them talking about their energy bill or confusing advice they’ve received from their energy provider? As energy price rises continue it’s important to know that some providers might advise people to keep their heating on low as many companies are currently making a loss on the energy they sell. Remember that every energy provider is first and foremost a company in a difficult financial situation – so be wary of advice that may not be in the best interests of the resident or their home.
- Do you ever see excess condensation or mould when you visit your relative’s home? These could be clear physical indicators that the house isn’t getting enough heat.
- Does your relative seem plagued by a persistent cough or cold? Prolonged respiratory illness could be a sign that their house isn’t warm enough to keep them well.
What can you do to help?
- Ask your relative who their energy supplier is and if they know how much they are paying. This will give you a better understanding of the potential challenge they might be facing over the winter.
- Make sure they are receiving all the financial support they’re entitled to. There are various kinds of financial assistance available from the government to support elderly people with their fuel bills during winter, and we are able to support residents with vulnerabilities to get grant funding towards improving the energy efficiency of their home.
- Encourage your relative to keep their windows closed, particularly at night. Good ventilation is important, but breathing in cold air can exacerbate and cause respiratory problems.
- Support them to ensure their heating system is properly maintained and serviced every year. This will help to prevent maintenance problems when the weather is at its coldest.
- Give the house a ‘once over.’ Along with your friend or relative, check that the cupboards are adequately stocked with food and general supplies. Do they know where the stopcock is if adverse weather affects the water supply? A small range of emergency supplies, such as a torch with batteries and a hot water bottle, might give a much needed sense of security.
- For a wealth of advice on keeping your relative’s home warm this winter, have a look at our Heating Guides
If you’re concerned about a vulnerable or elderly relative and would like some advice on how we might be able to support them, call our adviceline on 0800 677 1432.
