Cold Weather Advice for Older People and their Families and Neighbours

Cold Weather Advice for Older People and their Families and Neighbours

People over age 65 are more susceptible to viruses such as the cold, flu, and COVID-19.

It is important to make sure you are up to date with your flu, Covid-19, and Pneumococcal vaccinations.

Older adults are at greater risk of hypothermia in very cold weather. Our ability to feel a change in temperature decreases as we age, and older adults are more susceptible to health problems caused by cold. Our advice is to:

• Place an easy-to-read room thermometer indoors in your frequently used rooms. Keep the room you are using above 18 (65°F) degrees minimum at all times, but older adults may be more comfortable keeping the temperature closer to 21°C (70°F) degrees. Heat your bedroom before you go to bed in the evening.
• You may be entitled to a fuel allowance to help with the cost of heating your home
• An expanded fuel allowance scheme for those aged over 70 was introduced in 2022. Under this scheme, the means-tested threshold has been reduced, meaning that more people will now qualify for additional energy supports. You can apply for this scheme here.
• A household benefits package is also available to those aged 70 or older.
• Ensure that older, vulnerable people, especially those who live alone, wear a personal alarm. These can be worn on the wrist. In case of a fall, by pressing the alarm button, family or emergency services can be alerted.
• If elderly people have certain medical conditions such as diabetes, a medic alert bracelet can be helpful.
• If you depend on medical equipment at home, such as such as home dialysis machine, a ventilator or an oxygen concentrator, make sure to register as a vulnerable customer with your electricity supplier. More information on how to register as a vulnerable customer can be found here.
• Stock up on a small supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare foods like a carton of long-life UHT milk, a loaf of bread in the freezer, and some tinned and dried foods.
• Ensure you have a working tin opener. If you have arthritis, you may need a modified easy-to-use one, or an electric one.
• Speak to your local shop, they may be able to deliver groceries to you in the event of a cold snap. Some of the major grocery shops offer free delivery to the over 65s.
• Find out if there is a meals-on-wheels delivery service in your local area. This can usually be accessed through your local public health nurse or family resource centre. For a small charge they will usually deliver a hot meal and a sandwich to any older people who cannot cook for themselves.
• If you have been in hospital, ask a family member or a neighbour to heat your house before you go home.
• If you use an electric blanket:
  • Check what type it is - some are designed only to warm the bed before you get in and should not be used throughout the night.
  • Never use an electric blanket and hot water bottle together as it could cause electrocution.
  • Do not use damaged electric blankets in your home - check electric blankets and their flexes regularly for signs of wear and tear.
  • Make sure there are no creases in the electric blanket, and it lies flat on the mattress.
  • If you suffer with incontinence, electric blankets should not be used, so chat to your GP or Public Health Nurse before using an electric blanket.
• If you need to walk outside, walk on the footpath but remember footpaths may not be treated and may be icy.
• Make sure you are wearing appropriate footwear with good grips, and do not walk with your hands in your pockets.

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