The cost of living crisis has hit home and is set to affect our most vulnerable hardest. This winter, we may be forced to choose between heating our homes and finding other methods to save money and make ends meet. Try not to worry too much, as there are some fundamental methods and staple practices […]
The cost of living crisis has hit home and is set to affect our most vulnerable hardest. This winter, we may be forced to choose between heating our homes and finding other methods to save money and make ends meet. Try not to worry too much, as there are some fundamental methods and staple practices you can carry out to help make the cold sting just a little bit less.
It is hard to live normally when your home is cold, and there is a significant risk of Hypothermia. This is significantly greater for the vulnerable, those at risk of injury or sickness, so it is vital to be safe and warm. There are several ways to make your home more energy efficient and retain more heat, so you spend less heating and keep it stable.
It would be best if you tried to keep your home heated to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius. You can invest in an alarm to alert you if the temperature drops or set up your heating system to heat your home automatically. If you live alone, it can be more challenging to keep your home at a safe temperature as you have no one also to feel the cold and communicate when it is time to raise the temperature or notice if you are exhibiting symptoms of hyperthermia.
To help save on heating bills, close off the rooms you are not using and turn off radiators in those rooms. If you shut these doors, put a draft excluder or rolled-up towels at the bottom to prevent cold drafts from lowering room temperatures. This can also be applied to windows; keeping blinds closed prevents heat from escaping quickly. You can also tuck curtains into the back of radiators to prevent the radiator heating from going straight up and out of the window, forcing it more into the room.
It may be worth weatherproofing your home before the cold hits by using weather stripping or caulk to fill in gaps or cracks to keep cold air out. Cold air can quickly cause a chill and affect the overall ambient temperature of the room.
When your body temperature gets very low, it can cause Hypothermia. This causes many significant health problems and is more difficult to cope with and recover from if you are elderly or vulnerable. It can result in heart attacks, liver failure, kidney problems and more. Moving and eating regularly can help stave off the effects of Hypothermia.
Cold homes or being out in the cold for an extended period cause hypothermia. Ask family members to check in on you during the colder months and ensure to stay safe. Using space heaters may seem like a good idea at the time, but they consume a lot of energy, are expensive and are a fire hazard with a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Instead, take steps to insulate yourself and your home against the cold.
Outside in the cold, or even in a freezing house, can lead to Hypothermia. Please stay away from cold places, and pay attention to how cold it is where you are. You can take steps to lower your chance of getting Hypothermia.
Another way to keep warm in your home and take the weight off your heating bill is to bundle up. Wearing layers will help you to stay warmer for longer and be less affected by the cold. Check the weather forecast to fully prepare for cold, bitter days, as a strong wind can quickly lower your body temperature. Try to stay inside, somewhere warm on those days, and if you go outside, be sure to wear warm clothes and stay dry.
Loose layers of clothing will help you stay warmer, as the air between the layers heats up and is more beneficial to keeping you warm than tight layers. Don’t forget hats and scarves for when you are outside. They help block the cold air from entering these warm air pockets between the layers. If you are sitting at home, put a blanket over your legs – you’ll be surprised at just how effective this can be for helping you keep your whole body at a comfortable temperature. Socks with slippers are also excellent for comfort and warmth, especially if you have hard flooring where the cold travels faster.
Do not let yourself sit in damp clothes if caught in the rain. Instead, change your clothes quickly into something warm and dry as soon as possible. If you think it will rain, ensure you carry a waterproof with you.
Additional helpful tips to keeping warm are to eat enough food to fuel your body and keep your weight up, and body fat helps us to stay warm. In the same vein, drinking less alcohol can also help you feel warmer, and alcohol increases body heat loss.
Finally, maintain layers for the pyjamas and use extra blankets when going to sleep. It is costly to keep the heating on high while you are sleeping, so put a freeze protection timer on your heating system, where it only heats up as you are due to wake up.
2022 is a dangerous winter for everyone, and we must look after our most vulnerable. After maybe one of the hottest summers in history for England and the sudden cost hike of heating, this winter could feel colder than ever.
The colder weather can be challenging for those at a higher risk of getting injured or sick. Our professional care staff is here to provide the guidance necessary for your loved one to remain safe and healthy. Our team has what it takes to handle any situation while you focus on other essential aspects of your life.
Don’t hesitate to contact Westwood Care Group today for more information about our services. We would be happy to discuss your needs and can provide you with expert advice on specialist requirements.
