Helping Older Loved Ones Stay Warm at Home as the Weather Gets Colder

As autumn turns to winter, it’s a good time to think about whether your older loved one’s home is warm enough for the colder months ahead.

For someone who spends much of their time at home, keeping their living space warm and comfortable is particularly important. Temperatures can drop quickly once the sun goes down, and a home that feels comfortable during the afternoon can become noticeably colder by evening.

If you have an older parent, relative, friend or neighbour, there are some simple things you can check now to help them stay warm and comfortable this autumn and winter.

Check the rooms they use most

Start with the rooms your loved one spends most of their time in, particularly the living room and bedroom.

Generally, around 18°C (64°F) is recommended as a minimum indoor temperature, although some older people may need their home to be warmer depending on their health and individual circumstances.

Check that radiators are working properly and that furniture, curtains or other belongings aren’t blocking the heat.

Rooms that are rarely used, such as a spare bedroom, may not need to be heated to the same level. Keeping doors closed can also help keep warmth in the rooms where it’s needed most.

For families across Sandbach, Congleton and Macclesfield, early autumn is a good opportunity to check an older loved one’s heating before the really cold weather arrives.

Make the most of warmth during the day

Something as simple as opening and closing the curtains at the right time can help keep a home comfortable.

Encourage your loved one to open curtains and blinds during the day, particularly when the sun is shining.

As dusk approaches and temperatures begin to fall, closing curtains can help keep warmth inside and cold air out. Thicker curtains can be particularly useful during the winter months.

If your loved one finds opening and closing curtains difficult, this is something you could help with when you visit.

Look out for draughts

A draught from a window or door can make an otherwise warm room feel much colder.

When you visit, take a moment to notice how the home feels. Check around windows and external doors for obvious draughts and consider simple measures such as draught excluders.

Keeping internal doors closed can also help stop cold air moving around the home and keep the rooms your loved one uses most feeling warmer.

Keep floors warm – but safe

Wood, laminate and tiled floors can feel particularly cold underfoot.

A suitable rug can make a room feel warmer and more comfortable, but safety needs to come first.

Loose rugs and mats can become trip hazards, so make sure anything placed on the floor is secure, lies flat and doesn’t make it more difficult for your loved one to move around safely.

As we covered in our previous Preventing Trips & Falls blog, it’s important to keep regularly used routes around the home clear and safe.

Make sure warm clothing is within easy reach

Even in a warm home, wearing suitable clothing can help an older person remain comfortable.

Check that cardigans, jumpers, warm socks and comfortable layers are somewhere your loved one can easily reach. A blanket close to their favourite chair can also be useful on particularly chilly evenings.

Suitable slippers are important too. Look for something warm that fits securely and provides good grip rather than loose-fitting slippers that could increase the risk of a fall.

Take care with hot water bottles

A hot water bottle can be comforting on a cold evening, but it needs to be used safely.

Check older hot water bottles for signs of wear, cracking, damage or leaks and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. A suitable cover can also help prevent the hot surface coming into direct contact with the skin.

Hot water bottles should never be used at the same time as an electric blanket.

If your loved one needs help filling or using a hot water bottle safely, make sure someone is available to assist them.

How can you help your loved one stay warm?

Sometimes an older person may not realise just how cold their home has become. Others may be reluctant to turn up the heating because they’re worried about energy bills.

When you visit, don’t just ask whether they’re warm – take a moment to check their home too.

You can help by:

• Checking that their heating is working properly

• Making sure the rooms they use most are comfortably warm

• Checking heating timers and thermostats

• Making sure radiators aren’t obstructed

• Opening curtains during the day and closing them at dusk

• Checking windows and doors for draughts

• Putting warm clothes and blankets within easy reach

• Checking hot water bottles are safe to use

• Making sure they have food and plenty of hot drinks available

• Checking in more frequently during spells of particularly cold weather

Whether you’re visiting a parent in Sandbach, popping in to see a relative in Congleton, or checking on a loved one in Macclesfield, these small things can provide valuable reassurance.

If your loved one is keeping their home colder than they would like because they’re worried about energy costs, you could also help them find out whether they’re entitled to any financial or energy support.

Prepare their home now, rather than waiting for winter

One of the most helpful things you can do is prepare before temperatures really start to fall.

Now is a good time to test the heating, understand how the thermostat and timer work, check for draughts and make sure warmer clothes and blankets have been brought out of storage.

It’s also worth thinking about who will check on your loved one if there’s a particularly cold spell.

A little preparation during autumn can mean one less thing to worry about when winter arrives.

💚 How Ablewell can help

Our carers support older people across Sandbach, Congleton, Macclesfield and the surrounding areas to remain warm, comfortable and independent in their own homes.

During the colder months, our carers can help make sure clients’ homes are warm and comfortable, support them to dress appropriately for the weather, prepare warming meals and hot drinks, and make sure blankets and everyday essentials are within easy reach.

Regular visits also mean there’s someone there to notice if the home feels unusually cold or if something has changed.

Alongside practical support, our carers provide companionship and reassurance – giving families valuable peace of mind that someone is regularly checking on their loved one.

If you’re considering extra support for a loved one this autumn and winter, contact Ablewell today to arrange an assessment and find out how we can help them stay warm, well and independent in their own home.