Age UK Energy Advisor Pilot Help older people stay warm and well this winter

Overview:

1. The effects of cold weather on the heath of older people

2. Age UK’s Energy Advice service

3. How you can help

1.1 Why do older people need to stay warm?

• Every winter 24,000 older people die in the UK as a result of the cold weather.

• The UK has some of the highest rates of winter deaths within Europe.

• Older people are largely unaware of the impact that cold weather has on their health.

1. The effects of cold weather on the health of older people

1.2 Cold related illnesses

The cold weather increases the risk of the following illnesses:

• heart attacks• strokes• pneumonia• depression• worsening arthritis• accidents at home

 

1.3 Recommended temperatures in the home

• Below 16 °C (61°F) – diminishes resistance to

respiratory infections

• Below 12°C (54°F) – increased blood pressure

and viscosity

• Below 5°C (41°F) – deep body temperature falls

18°C (64°F ) is the ideal temperature

for the bedroom

21°C (70°F) is the ideal temperature

for the living room

1.4 What prevents older people from keeping warm?

• Fuel costs / struggling to pay bills

• Not knowing the health risks associated with being cold

• Lacking the correct information

• Not being able to use the heating system

• Lonely and out of touch

• Not wanting to ask for help

• Living in a property that is hard to heat

2. Age UK’s Energy Advice Service

The service includes:

•A thorough assessment in the older person's home to identify any problems they are having with keeping warm and well.

•Support to reduce fuel bills by ensuring they are on the best energy payment option, they reduce their energy usage and their home is energy efficient.

•Support to maximise income by inquiring on their behalf about the availability of financial support.

•Providing information on other support services, depending on their needs.

3. How you can help

•Identifying and referring older people who are struggling to keep their homes warm.

•Displaying our awareness raising posters aimed at older people.

•Displaying and distributing our individual room thermometers aimed at older people.

3.1 Promotional materials

Referral card

Information leaflet about the service

Thermometer

Poster about the service

3.2 What to look out for when you come into contact with an older person

• Does the home feel warm?

• Are there any signs of damp in the home?

• Do they have central heating?

• Are they on a pre-payment meter?

• Are they wearing multiple layers?

• Do they have a prescription to treat lung or heart conditions, or do they complain of ill-health?

• Have they had a fall or been admitted to hospital recently?

For more information, please contact Phil Smith or Katharine Lam

Age UK Teesside Energy – 01642 805500