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Helping you and your loved ones live well in later life

1-in-3 elderly people lived in homes that were unhealthily cold last winter, according to a study by Taking Care Personal Alarms.

In response to the findings, we are encouraging friends and family of elderly people to ‘Think H.E.A.T’ and follow simple steps to ensure vulnerable elderly people stay safe and warm this winter.

The NHS recommends that regularly used rooms, such as bedrooms, kitchens and living rooms, should be heated to a minimum of 18 degrees during the winter period.

However, our study revealed an alarming number of homes occupied by vulnerable elderly people are not being heated to this standard – with more than 1-in-3 homes being heated to below NHS recommended temperatures in winter 2023.

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Where we got our data

Taking Care Sense is an in-home device that monitors room temperature and prompts loved ones and carers if temperatures change to unhealthy levels.

Data from Taking Care Sense devices report that 43% of homes where the devices were installed were heated to below the NHS recommended 18 degrees in January 2023, and 45% of homes were below recommended temperatures in December 2022.

Our elderly monitoring devices are placed in elderly people’s homes to alert loved ones of any changes in lifestyle habits to prompt a wellbeing check.

Cold homes can risk poor health in older and vulnerable adults

Cold homes can increase symptoms of various health conditions, as well as increasing the risks of contracting serious health conditions like hypothermia.

Think H.E.A.T

To help families of elderly loved ones prepare for the winter, we have released guidance on simple steps people can take now to protect vulnerable elderly relatives ahead of the colder months.

  • H - Home safety: check they’re getting the support they need at home
  • E – Essentials: ensure they have access to winter essentials
  • A – Active: keep up activity levels, such as gentle exercise and social activities
  • T – Temperature: check the home is heated to a minimum of 18 degrees

Where to begin?

H – Home safety

Check they’re getting the support they need at home, such as:

  • Identifying and eliminating fall risks
  • Encouraging them to stay active
  • Checking their space is free from trip hazards
Elderly lady walking down stairs

E – Essentials

Ensuring they have access to winter essentials by:

  • Encouraging them to get the flu jab
  • Making sure they have their grocery shopping
  • Making sure they eat three meals a day
  • Ensuring they are dressed for cold weather
  • Making sure they stay hydrated
  • Helping to keep their shelves stocked up with supplies
Senior getting a flu jab

A – Active

Making sure they’re keeping active in the winter months by:

Elderly people socialising

T – Temperature

Making sure they’re staying warm by:

  • Checking their heating is working
  • Making sure they have got their winter fuel payment
  • Checking that their home is heated to 18 degrees
  • Encouraging them to keep moving
  • Making sure they have the correct clothing to wrap up well, especially when outside
Old man wrapped up warm with hot drink

Insufficient heating in the homes of elderly, vulnerable people presents a serious risk through a number of conditions including hypothermia, and can exacerbate existing health issues. In addition, this time of year can see older people become isolated and suffer poor mental health.

Steve Gates
Managing Director at Taking Care

Where you can get support

This winter will be a worrying time for lots of us with energy costs and changes to the Winter Fuel Payment threatening to push many elderly people into fuel poverty over the next few months.

The Government announced in July 2024 a change to the Winter Fuel Payment eligibility. You could receive a Winter Fuel Payment of £200 if you or your partner have reached State Pension age and also receive a qualifying means-tested benefit. If you are over 80 years old, then the amount you could receive increases to £300.

To be considered eligible you must receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance, or an award of Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit of at least £26 for the tax year 2024-25.

It’s important to note that to be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, you must have been born before 22nd September 1958 and lived in the UK for at least one day during the week of 16th to 22nd September 2024 - known as the ‘qualifying week’.

To check if you’re elderly relatives are eligible, visit the government website.

Man speaking on phone

Frequently asked questions

What temperature should your heating be on in winter?

The NHS recommended temperature is a minimum of 18 degrees. This is especially vital for the elderly who have reduced mobility or health conditions.

What is the winter fuel payment?

The winter fuel payment is an entitlement that could get you either £200 or £300 to help you pay your heating bills. The amount depends on your age and you must meet specific eligibility criteria. 

Who qualifies for winter heating allowance?

You can get a Winter Fuel Payment if you were born before 22nd September 1958, have lived in the UK for at least one day during the week of 16th to 22nd September 2024 and receive a qualifying means-tested benefit. Most people should get the winter fuel payment automatically if they’re eligible.

Who should you speak to if you are struggling to pay your heating bills?

You should contact your energy supplier if you are struggling to pay your gas or electricity bills. You can discuss ways to pay and your supplier has to help you come to a solution.

You may be able to agree a payment plan or negotiate better rates. Citizens Advice can provide advice and guidance about energy bills and help with how to contact your energy supplier.

Are there grants to help support with improving insulation in the home?

There are two schemes that can help. The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme is for those on a low income and provides free loft, roof and cavity wall insulation, as well as new boilers. If you don't qualify for the ECO scheme, you may still qualify for other schemes such as the Home Upgrade Grant and the Warm Homes Nest scheme (Wales only).

The Great British Insulation Scheme also supports improving insulation, although you may need to pay some of the costs. You need to be in council tax band A to D in England, A to E in Scotland and Wales and have a home EPC rating of D or below.

How to monitor low temperatures

Taking Care Sense is an in-home device that monitors room temperature and prompts loved ones and carers if temperatures drop below recommended standards.

How Taking Care Sense works

It is a small, discreet sensor, which can be placed in the kitchen and monitors the atmosphere and activity levels with its innovative AI technology. There are no cameras, microphones, wires or power cables and the sensor boasts a three-year minimum battery life.

Taking Care Sense learns the user’s behaviour patterns through changes in temperature extremes and the room environment and Taking Cares Resolution Team will investigate any changes or anomalies via a wellbeing check-in call.

Taking Care Sense can be purchased as a standalone product or in addition to an existing personal alarm solution.

Taking Care Sense

Taking Care Sense is easy to setup

After a few visits to my mother's house and finding it to be chillier than I’d like, I was becoming increasingly concerned.

Now, having the data that shows if her house isn’t sufficiently heated is good motivation for ensuring the heating is on when required and on days when I can’t get round to see her, someone will check in with her if the house is colder than advised.

Ishbel
Taking Care Sense customer

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As we get older, we should be able to continue doing the things we love and living life the way we want to. However, ageing can bring feelings of vulnerability and affect activity levels. Our personal alarms can restore confidence, and enhance independent and active living, with the reassurance that help is just a button press away if needed.

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Have the freedom to maintain an active lifestyle, with reassurance help is available wherever you are. 

An Out-and-About Personal Alarm will also work in your home so you can get help from Taking Care's Emergency Resolution Team any time of the day or night.

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