21 December, 2022 ·
Less than a minute read
At CHD Living, we understand the impact the cost of living crisis is having on our local and wider community.
We’re doing all we can to help, including donating ‘Hug in a Rug’ packages to the Care at Home community as part of our Winter Warmer campaign, and delivering collection boxes to the children under the care of a national children’s hospice.
We’ve also earmarked a sum of money to go into a hardship fund that will help our staff members who’re feeling the effects of the current climate.
As well as this, we’ve also compiled a list of helpful tips that aim to assist those who may struggle in lower temperatures, which you can find below:
1. Combating the Cost of Living: Wrap Up Warm
Older adults are often more sensitive to the cold, and it can have an impact on their health.
When going outside, dress in layers and wear a hat, gloves and scarf. Clothes made from wool, cotton or fleece fabrics are warmest (although, according to NI Direct, cotton is only effective if the garment stays dry).
(Source: NI Direct)
2. The Cost of Living Crisis: Keep the Cold Out
It may be too costly to keep your heating on all day and night, but there are other ways to help keep your home warm this winter.
Try to ensure your house is draught-proof in order to keep the cold out and minimise occurrences of heat escaping. Be sure to seal any gaps around windows and doors, making sure you have loft insulation if necessary. If you have cavity walls, make sure they're insulated, too.
(Source: NHS England)
3. Cost of Living: Check Your Heating
Another way to ensure you stay warm this winter is to have your heating system serviced regularly to make sure it works well.
This will ensure that you have a safe and efficient heating system at all times, reducing the risk of finding yourself without heating on the colder days.
If it's very cold, we recommend setting it to stay on for longer, rather than turning the thermostat up.
(Source: Age UK)
4. Draw Your Curtains
Another way to combat the cost of living crisis and stay warm is to draw your curtains when it’s getting dark.
Age UK recommends tucking them behind the radiator and shutting the doors to rooms you use most to keep the heat in.
(Source: Age UK)
5. Maintain the Temperature
The NHS UK recommends heating your home to a temperature that feels comfortable for you.
If you can, try and ensure that the rooms you regularly use are at least 18°C (such as the
bedroom and living room). This is particularly vital if you have a health condition. It's also best to keep your bedroom window shut at night.
(Source: NHS UK)
6. Keeping Warm in Winter: Stay active
Exercise is beneficial for maintaining both your mental and physical health as you age, but did you also know it can help to boost your circulation?
Try not to sit still for more than an hour at a time; even a little bit of activity, such as gentle movements and chair yoga, will help to keep you warm.
(Source: Age UK)
7. Wear Warm Clothes to Bed
Have you considered layering up at bedtime?
If you struggle to stay warm in bed, Age UK recommends wearing clothes such as thermal underwear and bed socks. Even wearing a hat can help when it’s really cold at night, and will prevent you from waking up with a chill.
(Source: Age UK)
8. Move Radiator Obstructions
To help the heat circulate efficiently around your home, ensure your radiators and heaters are clear.
Even putting the smallest of objects on them can impact circulation, so try to avoid putting furniture in front of them or placing dry washing on them.
(Source: Best Heating)
9. Reusable Hand Warmers
Having cold hands can prevent you from performing simple chores, leading to reduced activity.
If you struggle to keep your hands warm, reusable hand warmers are an excellent investment. They're also cost-efficient, costing less than 1p per hour to run.
(Source: NHS Dorset)
10. Eat Healthily
According to NI Direct, a healthy, balanced diet will help keep you warm and healthy this
winter.
Try to make sure that you and your family eat at least one hot meal a day, such as porridge, soup or stew for maximum health benefits.
To help combat the cost of living, why not cook double the stew you need, and freeze half for another day?
(Source: NI Direct)
To find out more about our cost of living tips and how to stay warm this winter, please contact a member of our team who would be happy to help.
If you think your loved one may benefit from Care at Home to help them this winter, please visit our website.
Alternatively, why not read our previous blog to discover how to stay connected this winter?
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