Remember elderly or vulnerable neighbours this winter

Its been pretty blustery lately, but something tells me that the worst of the winter weather is yet to come. 

With this in mind, the Home Energy Doctor Project is now in its third year of helping older people ensure that their homes are warm through the winter, which is crucial for preventing ill health due to the cold. Do encourage friends, family and neighbours to make the most of this free service, which could make all the difference if we encounter a really cold spell.

Here are some tips and advice for staying warm, as well as information on services that older people could be entitled to:

How warm should my home be? 

Your home should be between 18c/64F and 21c/70F. If it is colder than this, you increase the risk of high blood pressure and reducing your resistance to serious illness.

What should I do to keep warm?

Firstly, check your income! You could be entitled to additional payments and/or benefits to help keep you and your home warm. Pension Credit is a top up payment to your pension and is based on your income and savings. Call 0800 99 1234 for more information. Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance are based on how your disability affects you and applications do not ask about income or savings. Call 0800 88 22 00 for more information. 

Check your home

Be sure that your home is in a good state of repair, is insulated and that your heating system is working properly. Draughts and gaps can make a home very cold and can cost you a lot to keep warm. There are grants to help with draft-proofing if you are on benefits; call the Energy Saving Trust on 0800 512 012. Age Concern Kingston has a Handy Person service to make small repairs to your home - call 020 8942 8256. House Proud Kingston is an equity release scheme to help fund larger work that your home might need. Call 0800 783 7569 for more information. 

If you would like more information about the help that is available, contact Charlie Knell on 020 8339 8061 or email charlie.knell@kpct.nhs.uk.