Cold Weather Advice for Older People and their Families and Neighbours

People over age 65 are more susceptible to viruses such as the cold, flu, and COVID-19.

It is important to make sure you are up to date with your flu, Covid-19, and Pneumococcal vaccinations.

Older adults are at greater risk of hypothermia in very cold weather. Our ability to feel a change in temperature decreases as we age, and older adults are more susceptible to health problems caused by cold. Our advice is to:

• Place an easy-to-read room thermometer indoors in your frequently used rooms. Keep the room you are using above 18 (65°F) degrees minimum at all times, but older adults may be more comfortable keeping the temperature closer to 21°C (70°F) degrees. Heat your bedroom before you go to bed in the evening.
• You may be entitled to a fuel allowance to help with the cost of heating your home
• An expanded fuel allowance scheme for those aged over 70 was introduced in 2022. Under this scheme, the means-tested threshold has been reduced, meaning that more people will now qualify for additional energy supports. You can apply for this scheme here.
• A household benefits package is also available to those aged 70 or older.
• Ensure that older, vulnerable people, especially those who live alone, wear a personal alarm. These can be worn on the wrist. In case of a fall, by pressing the alarm button, family or emergency services can be alerted.
• If elderly people have certain medical conditions such as diabetes, a medic alert bracelet can be helpful.
• If you depend on medical equipment at home, such as such as home dialysis machine, a ventilator or an oxygen concentrator, make sure to register as a vulnerable customer with your electricity supplier. More information on how to register as a vulnerable customer can be found here.
• Stock up on a small supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare foods like a carton of long-life UHT milk, a loaf of bread in the freezer, and some tinned and dried foods.
• Ensure you have a working tin opener. If you have arthritis, you may need a modified easy-to-use one, or an electric one.
• Speak to your local shop, they may be able to deliver groceries to you in the event of a cold snap. Some of the major grocery shops offer free delivery to the over 65s.
• Find out if there is a meals-on-wheels delivery service in your local area. This can usually be accessed through your local public health nurse or family resource centre. For a small charge they will usually deliver a hot meal and a sandwich to any older people who cannot cook for themselves.
• If you have been in hospital, ask a family member or a neighbour to heat your house before you go home.
• If you use an electric blanket:
• Check what type it is - some are designed only to warm the bed before you get in and should not be used throughout the night.
• Never use an electric blanket and hot water bottle together as it could cause electrocution.
• Do not use damaged electric blankets in your home - check electric blankets and their flexes regularly for signs of wear and tear.
• Make sure there are no creases in the electric blanket, and it lies flat on the mattress.
• If you suffer with incontinence, electric blankets should not be used, so chat to your GP or Public Health Nurse before using an electric blanket.
• If you need to walk outside, walk on the footpath but remember footpaths may not be treated and may be icy.
• Make sure you are wearing appropriate footwear with good grips, and do not walk with your hands in your pockets.

Last updated: 4 January 2024