Keeping warm in winter service

Winter can be a hazardous time for many of us – more people get ill in winter and the number of deaths rise.

At particular risk are the elderly, those suffering some other form of chronic disease or those who are vulnerable due to a physical disability.

So it is vital that you take the necessary steps to ensure that you keep warm during the winter.

What’s happening locally?

Barnet Council recognises that the protection of vulnerable adults during severe weather is a community responsibility and it has joined with its health and voluntary sector partners to produce a ‘Planning for Winter’ document which seeks to harness all available resources with in the community.

Where to go for more information

For more information about keeping warm in the winter, please see the Department of Health’s booklet ‘Keep warm, keep well- A winter guide’. You can download a copy at www.dh.gov.uk/socialcare or phone the Winter Warmth Advice Line on freephone 0800 085 7000. The booklet is published in several different languages.

Keep Warm, Keep Well - Winter Warmth Line

This helpline provides advice and assistance on a variety of topics which will be useful to older people and disabled people during the winter months.

Freephone 0800 085 7000
Open: Monday-Friday 8am-8pm
Textphone: 0200 085 7857
Website: www.doh.gov.uk/socialcare

Winter fuel payment

A winter fuel payment is an annual payment to help people aged 60 and over with their winter heating bills. If you are aged 60-79 and you are entitled to receive a Winter Fuel Payment, you will get either £100 or £200, depending on your circumstances in the qualifying week. If you are aged 80 or over and you are entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment, you will get an extra £50 or £100, depending on your circumstances in the qualifying week. So, if you are aged 80 or over, you could get up to £300.

For more information, please contact the Winter Fuel Payment Helpline on 08459 15 15 15
Textphone: 0845 601 5613
Open: Monday to Friday, 8.30am-4.30pm
Website: www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/winterfuel

Looking out for trouble

If someone has had an accident in their home, fallen and injured themselves 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 on 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.

Prevention

It is important to prevent people from becoming cold. 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! If you can, check the living room temperature - 21c (70f) is ideal whereas 16c or below represents the danger zone.

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
do not give them alcohol, as it will stimulate further heat loss through the skin.

How can you help yourself keep warm?

during cold weather regular hot meals and hot drinks will provide warmth and energy
dress for warmth both indoors and out. Several layers are good and a hat outside will prevent significant loss of body heat from the head.
an open bedroom window even in cold weather does not “ blow away the germs “ but can increase the risk of illness
try to move around regularly in doors if you can do so safely. Otherwise moving arms/legs or wiggling toes from a seated position can help to keep the circulation going.

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. Please contact the council on 020 8359 2440 or email olderadults.dutyteam@barnet.gov.uk

Additional sources of help

NHS Direct 0845 46 47 - 24 hour health advice and information service.
Senior Line 0808 800 6565 - help the Aged free welfare rights service for older people , their relatives, carers and friends.
Energy Efficiency Advice Centre 0800 512 012 - advice and information on keeping your home warm and the grants available.

Adult Social Services home page