27 October 2022
When the temperature drops it is very important to ensure you keep warm and well especially if you are over the age of 65 years or are disabled. With the cost of living increases, you may be feeling some concerns around how to stay warm, but there are things you can do to keep yourself warm this winter.
Preparations for the colder months should begin as soon as possible, so you know you have everything in hand.
Dress in several thin layers to ensure you keep the warmth in, thermals are great for this. It’s also a good idea to make sure you wear socks and slippers inside – if you struggle to put these on there are gadgets available to make this easier such as the NRS Healthcare Sock/Hose Aid and the NRS Healthcare Plastic Shoe Horn.
You should make sure that your slippers have a good sole and fit well – try not to wear the flip flop type as they are not usually as safe.
If you’re heading outside, wear a hat, gloves, scarf, and a warm pair of boots with a good grip. The Heat Holders range is a great place to start if you’re looking for new woollens to stay warm
In order to keep your circulation going (and therefore keep your body warm) it’s important to keep getting up and moving around during the day, at least once an hour.
It is really important to keep the rooms you use in your house at a consistent temperature to avoid a sudden change between rooms or breathing in particularly cold air at night.
Here are some ways to make your home feel warmer:
You may be able to get some financial assistance. See our list of useful links below.
Make sure that you have plenty of hot food and drinks to get you through the day.
If you have carers in the morning, ask them to fill an insulated flask with hot water so you can make yourself a nice hot drink during the day.
If you need more time to eat and drink, an insulated plate and cup will help to keep your food warm for longer.
Keeping active and trying to go outside every day will help to keep your appetite high.
Having a warm bath or shower may help you on a cold day. Worried about being able to use the bath safely? A bath lift can help you to get immersed in the water and warm up without having to worry about how you will get out again. A grab rail at the side of the bath could also give you the extra help you may need to balance or pull yourself up from the tub, you may find one useful to help you shower safely as well.
Other ways to make showering a little safer include using a shower seat and making use of long-handled sponges to help prevent having to bend down to wash the lower part of your body.
Before you get in the bath or shower, try to make sure your bathroom is warm (ideally 21°c).
Avoid the temptation to use a hot water bottle with an electric blanket – even if the blanket is unplugged – as it isn’t safe.
Double up on your duvet or use a bed spread to keep warm. You should also consider wearing bed socks and thermals at night.
If you limit heating to your bedroom at night but find you need the toilet regularly, it may be worth considering using a commode instead, so you can remain in the warm room.
It’s important to make sure that you continue to take your medication regularly and to have your flu jab if your GP invites you to get one.
If you take a lot of medication or find you get a little muddled taking it, there are many different medication reminders available to prompt you. A straightforward pill box may be enough to help you organise your medication or an Automatic Pill Dispenser can remind you to take the medication at the correct time.
You’re not alone. Lots of people feel a little down in the winter when the days are shorter and it can be harder to get out.
It’s important to try to stick to your usual routines.
Interestingly, the lighting in your home can really help to brighten your mood – try using lamps with daylight bulbs or perhaps even a Lifelight SAD Therapy Lamp. Learn more about seasonal affective disorder (SAD) at NHS Inform.
Also, try to see other people regularly; you could reach out to others who may well be feeling equally down.
Useful links
If you’re on certain income related/disability benefits, are over 65 years old, or are disabled contact the Energy Saving Trust or Age UK for advice. The Government also has information on available grants. Visit Simply Energy Advice for details of grants available to help with insulation.
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