Helping elderly beat the cold trap

NHS Rotherham is undertaking research to find out what helps older people in Rotherham from keep warm in winter.

The Keeping Warm in Later Life ProjecT (KWILLT) involves interviews with older residents and a range of health and social care staff.

NHS Rotherham said that early findings had revealed a complex range of factors influencing older people's ability to keep warm, including:

  • having family nearby. q income.
  • type of housing.
  • access to information.

Adelaide Lusambili, Researcher at NHS Rotherham, said: "The early research findings suggest that modern forms of heating can be confusing and highly technical to those who have no family to help.

“The majority of older people rely on family members to programme their heating system, track fuel consumption and costs.

“Those without family are therefore at a huge disadvantage and are vulnerable. “Our research also indicates that many older people lack knowledge on the ideal temperature required for keeping warm and preventing health conditions worsening.

“Bedroom temperatures should be kept above 18 degrees celsius and the living room between 21 and 24 degrees.”

The KWILLT project team will be conducting more face-to-face interviews with older people and the professionals who care for them during the coming winter months.

For further information about this project visit the NHS Rotherham website: www.rotherham.nhs.uk

If you are experiencing problems with heating your home or need advice call The Energy Saving Trust on 0800 512012.

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