Keeping warm in winter
See cold weather payment information below.
More people get ill in winter and the number of deaths rises. There is a direct link between cold weather and the higher death rate, especially amongst older people and others in at-risk groups. Remember - winter needn't be dangerous if you take the right steps.
Prevention
Clearly, it is important to prevent people from becoming cold in the first place. Family, friends and neighbours in the community can look out for those who might be at risk from the cold. Prevention is always easier than cure!
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a lowered deep-core body temperature of 35C/95F or below. It is the lowered temperature of the organs inside the body which is important - an ordinary thermometer cannot measure this. You may not actually feel cold but if you sit in a cold room and do little or nothing to keep warm then you may run the risk of becoming hypothermic or becoming ill with bronchitis or pneumonia. Both are cold-related illnesses.
Watch out for the danger signs!
- drowsiness;
- very cold skin on parts of the body normally covered, for example the stomach or armpits;
- slurred speech;
- absence of complaint about feeling cold, even in a bitterly cold room.
If you are in doubt
- move the person into warmer surroundings if possible
- wrap the person in a light layer of blankets or a duvet to avoid further loss of body heat.give them warm, nourishing drinks
- call the doctor or nurse
- do not subject the person to any sudden extreme change of temperature - so do not put them next to a fire or give them hot water bottles or heavy layers of clothes or blankets.
- do not give them alcohol, as it will stimulate further heat loss through the skin.
How can you help yourself keep warm?
Safety is important in all aspects of keeping yourself warm. Care should be taken when using electric blankets or filling hot water bottles. Never use a hot water bottle and an electric blanket together, as this is extremely dangerous and could give you an electric shock.
You may be entitled to some additional financial help, especially during periods of very cold weather.
Looking out for trouble
If someone has had an accident in their home, fallen and injured themself or been taken ill, they may not be able to attract attention of neighbours, passers-by or people who call at the door. Always be on the look-out for signs that something might be wrong, especially when the weather is cold.
There are many signs to look out for:
- milk not taken in late in the day;
- newspapers stuck in the letterbox;
- curtains drawn during the day;
- lights burning during the day;
- home in darkness when there should be someone at home;
- dog barking all day or the cat scratching to be let in.
Cold weather payment
People on low incomes may be eligible for an extra £25 a week (on top of Winter Fuel Payments for the over 60s) for each seven-day period where the temperature falls to or below zero degrees Celsius, according to a reminder sent out this month from the Department for Work and Pensions.
Full details about who is eligible, and answers to frequently asked questions, are available from www.direct.gov.uk/coldweatherpayment The website includes a postcode search facility where customers can find out if Cold Weather Payments have been triggered in their area. The DWP is advising service providers to include this link on their own websites.
The scheme runs from 1 November to 31 March. As of 6 January, 61 of the 85 Meteorological Office weather stations around the country had measured cold temperatures low enough and for long enough to trigger payments. At least one cold weather payment has been triggered in Hackney.
Payments are generally received within a week of being triggered. Those who are eligible, but who have not received payments, can check on the website or tell their local Pensions Service office or Job Centre Plus office.
How can you get help?
Age Concern can assist older people aged 60+ living in Hackney to stay warm and well. The project provides confidential and independent advice on heating your home and saving money, advice on gas and electricity bills, help with dealing with a damp home or assistance to apply for energy grants.
They can also loan emergency equipment (heaters and hotplates) and provide a home visiting service to vulnerable or housebound people.
The project also has a 24-hour winter emergency helpline 020 7241 2299 or you can consult Age Concern Hackney Coldline Project
Page updated: 12 Jan 2010