Keep Them Warm
By Bik Yu ( Income Inclusion Officer | Together We Rise at ESEACC)
Winter is here. Staying warm isn’t just about turning up the heating, it’s about using energy safely, knowing your rights, eating well, and staying connected. This guide is designed to help younger people support their parents, grandparents, and older loved ones during the winter months. Read up to find practical tips on managing energy costs, keeping the home warm, and knowing what benefits and winter payments your elders may be entitled to. We also include everyday life hacks that help older people stay warm from the inside out, alongside guidance on winter illnesses like flu and norovirus, and where to access free NHS support.
There are two key aspects of keeping warm this winter:
• Energy: using it efficiently and safely, knowing your rights, and getting the support you’re entitled to.
• Everyday habits: staying active, connected, and eating well to maintain warmth.
Energy Tips: Keeping Their Home Safe & Warm
Staying warm requires energy. Here are some tips on how you can help your elders stay warm this winter.
With the rising cost of living and increasing energy prices, it’s important to keep an eye on costs, make sure they have the financial support to pay their bills, and ensure they can safely stay in their home. Know their rights if they’re renting and check in regularly to make sure everything is working safely.
1. Check their benefits
Many older people miss out on support they’re entitled to.
Help them apply for Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Reduction.
If you’re unsure, get in touch with us for guidance at togetherwerise@hackneychinese.org.uk.
2. Join the Priority Services Register
Contact their energy provider to get them registered. It’s free and offers extra support during power cuts, emergencies, or if they rely on medical equipment.
3. Look into winter energy payments
Make sure they’re receiving schemes like the Warm Home Discount, Cold Weather Payment, and Winter Fuel Payment.
4. If they rent
Landlords have a legal responsibility to keep the property safe and liveable.
If heating or insulation issues aren’t being fixed, reach out to an advice organisation for support.
Check these resources for further guidance:
https://www.gov.uk/cold-weather-payment
https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme
https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment
https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice
https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/information/money-and-work/energy-bills
https://www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/power-cut/priority-services
Things You Can Do to Stay Warm at Home Safely
1. Fix draughts (safely)
Use draught stoppers or tape to keep heat in, but don’t block ventilation gaps or any exit points, as they are essential for safety.
2. Bleed your radiators
Bleeding radiators regularly helps remove trapped air pockets so they heat more efficiently.
3. Set your hot water tank to 60°C
60°C is the minimum safe temperature to prevent bacteria (like Legionella) from growing in stored hot water. Keep the temperature at at least 60°C. Any lower can allow harmful bacteria to grow, so don’t set it below this just to save some money!
4. Keep the home warm
Use the heating during winter not only to stay warm, but also to prevent damp and mould, which can be harmful to health. Even keeping the heating at a steady, lower setting can help maintain a safe, comfortable home environment.
5. Use the Citizens Advice appliance cost checker
It’s usually helpful to switch off appliances you’re not using, but some appliances use far less energy than people think.
The Citizens Advice appliance cost tool can help you check how much different items actually cost to run.
For example, light bulbs use very little energy, so don’t let your elders sit in the dark just to save a few pounds.
You can also compare appliances to see which ones are more cost-efficient for their home.
Other Life Hacks to Stay Warm in Winter
Staying warm from the inside is just as important as keeping the home warm. During the colder months, it’s especially important to check in on our elders and make sure they’re doing okay.
Keep them moving
Light activity throughout the day helps boost circulation and maintain warmth.
Check in often
Regular chats help you spot issues early, mental health matters just as much as physical health.
If they’re comfortable using English-language services, they can call The Silver Line and other mental health support lines for support.
https://www.thesilverline.org.uk/helping-you/
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/services/age-uk-advice-line/ (The Age UK Advice Line is also a good one to call for the elders’ families, friends or carer)
https://www.independentage.org/hidigital (Independent Age’s free online resource on digital skill, available only in English)
Stay socially connected
Encourage them to spend time in community spaces, like ours at the East and Southeast Asian Community Centre in Dalston, London, or any Warm Welcome Space near their home.
https://www.warmwelcome.uk/find-a-space
Eat well
Warm, nutritious meals help maintain body temperature and energy levels.
Winter Illnesses: Norovirus, Flu & More
Winter is prime time for flu, norovirus (the “winter vomiting bug”), colds, and other viruses. Older people are more vulnerable to complications, so a few simple steps can help keep them safer.
Get the free flu jab
People aged 65 and over can get a free flu vaccine on the NHS. They can book it through their GP, a pharmacy, or via the NHS App/website.
It’s one of the most effective ways to reduce serious illness in winter.
Stay up to date with COVID and flu boosters
If eligible, remind them to get their seasonal boosters.
Know the signs of norovirus
Symptoms usually include sudden vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and sometimes a mild fever.
If your elder has symptoms, encourage:
Lots of fluids
Rest
Staying home for 48 hours after symptoms stop (to avoid spreading it)
Keep hands clean
Handwashing with soap and water is the best defence against norovirus (alcohol gel doesn’t work well for it). Encourage this especially before eating and after using the bathroom.
Ventilate safely
Even in cold weather, a few minutes of fresh air can reduce the spread of viruses.
Short bursts of ventilation work well and won’t make the home too cold.
Seek help when needed
Call 111 if you’re worried about symptoms, dehydration, breathing issues, or if they’re not getting better. Call 999 in an emergency.
Useful NHS resources:
• Flu vaccine (who’s eligible & how to book): https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/flu-vaccine/
• Norovirus: symptoms & treatment: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/norovirus/
• COVID & flu booster information: https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/covid-19-vaccine/