General Chat

When heating wheatsack I always put cup half full of water in micro too. This was the instruction when we bought the first one long time ago.

i think old people should have a cat
they dont go cold during the night like a hot water bottle

and are company when they are on their own

I would echo what Ann has said about the wheat bags. They are wonderful and easy to use, but take care on the length of time they are heated and that they do dry out.

I went to heat my Mum-in-law's wheat bag and found that there was a burnt hole and very blackened lump of the contents. I think she had heated it too long.

They do need the moisture reviving after a time, or more sensibly replaced.

If it's possible, check they are not over-paying for their electricity/gas. They can save a lot of money if their account is on-line (no paper bills) but, obviously, someone needs to do that for them if they have no computer. Also, a lot of elec/gas companies have heavily discounted rates for OAP's but they need to apply (or someone needs to apply for them).

Close all curtains around the house (not just where they are at the time) at dusk and leave them closed until it's daylight.

If they have a kitchen/diner and put the oven on to cook a meal, leave the oven door open whilst eating. They have paid for that heat, they may as well use it but remember to close the door when they start moving around again.

I agree with the duvet too. Especially in the evenings when watching TV although those hooded blankets sound good - I may try one.

Well done for looking after elderly neighbours.

Hello. Not been on here for some time but, would love to add to this thread. How lovely of you Pat to care so much for elderly neighbours, we do that it on area.
I also would like to say that I have bought the blankets with a hood on to keep warm during the very cold winter we had and they are very good, they also have very wide sleeves in them so they can still have their hot soups and cups of tea etc etc while in them.
Also socks on with slippers to keep the feet warm.
I do hope that you can sort out the draughts and the other things that the very elderly can have done for them.
Thank goodness they have you as a neighbour. Well done. xx

An easy to read room thermometer is a must so it can see when the temp drops and more heat is needed or movement may be benificial.

footwarmers are a good thing.

if they earn less than £13.000 a year they can rng there gas and electric company and asked to be put on the social tarrif, for people with a low income, most people dont know about this tarrif as its not advertised, xxx

if they earn less than £13.000 a year they can rng there gas and electric company and asked to be put on the social tarrif, for people with a low income, most people dont know about this tarrif as its not advertised, xxx

Hi Pat,
A lot of elderly people tend to think it's charity and won't apply for pension credit. Maybe you could have a word with your local 'Help the aged' and explain to them. They are really good at helping to sort these sorts of worries out. They might pay them a visit just to make sure they are getting what they are entitled to. xxx

Have a look at the Help the Aged/Age Concern website

http://www.ageuk.org.uk/

There is a phone number who may be able to put you/them in contact locally for knowledgeble advice about benefits, grants etc.

0800 169 6565

Hats off to you for taking your neighbours under your wing.

Thank you everyone for all your suggestions as usual you came up trumps.
I am going to take my son over to check re draughtproofing, lagging and loft insulation etc and then we can check for grants, if they need anything.

I think maybe it's better if they don't have electric blankets as they might not remember to turn them off. So hot water bottles, blankets and duvets are maybe better plus maybe a night cap and bed socks.

I shall put all your suggestions to them.

Golden girl 1

They say they have their pension but don't have pension credit (think it's charity) so I will try to persuade them to apply for this treading cautiously of course. No you are not being nosey.

Thank yo all again you have been a real help.

Pat will apologies for delay ( I shut my hand in the door)

I would recommend stick to the "old school" stuff as Nan used to say. Blankets, extra layers, hot drinks and plenty of soups and stews. Thermos are good to take round to elderly neighbours who are limited with mobility as the won't need to keep going into kitchen to make a cuppa and we usually make extra soup and take it round in a crock. I would avoid heaters, hot water bottles and microwaveable gadgets. But yes find out what they may need and what they maybe enitled too damp proofing, double glazing and insulation etc now should be right time to get stuff done before cold sets in.

edit meant to put remember ventalation when considering other issues.

edit two check smoke alarms and other health and safety issues on their behalf some have warden control (make sure it is working) others do not so make sure their phone is close by and they can access your number (and others) easily.

I would be very wary of advising them to use wheaties in the microwave, they are very easy to overheat. Make sure they have all drafts stopped up but if they have gas indoors i.e. a gas boiler, make sure it has been checked and get them a (I think sometimes free from the fire brigade) carbon monoxide (I think) alarm.
A light throw to put over their knees in the evening would be good.

I bought my mum in law one of those blanket/shawl things and she wears it when sitting still watching TV in evenings.

My mum keeps a spare single duvet downstairs behing the settee, because she takes couple of naps during the daytimes and finds this a real treat - she can pull it over herself easily as it's lightweight, and warms her up in a tic.!

K

Sorry added twice so deleted this one

Add to that cavity insulation. Over seventies. I goggled grants for keeping warm - tells you all. Stay away from hot bottles heated in micro - several accidents reported with them last winter. Likewise electric blankets - not all are for keeping on all night.
Hot bottle and extra duvet/eiderdown/blankets much safer.

If they receive benefit of any kind but I think it now covers anyone over 70 irrespective of income, free loft insultation, draught proofing - check with your local council.

Are they close enough and able enough to take turns cooking a hot meal each day?

Hot water bottles in your bed ....

Please be careful leaving heats on all the time as last year a elderly friend burnt out a socket...we have now had them all checked

Banckets
wear layers
IF you are WORRIED about yourself and the cold GET HELP..even the silliest problem becomes huge when you are cold and you then begin to panic ..best to get help sooner than later

My daughter bought me a 'thing' like a hooded blanket, for Christmas . We had a laugh about it but nevertheless I wrapped it round me when I was watching the tv in the evening,as I found the weather really cold last year. I used it at her house when I visited because they always seem warmer than me and don't have the heating as high.......and they can laugh......I don't care-JLe

Pat am not being nosey but are they
receiving all benefits due to them?

Emmax