Helping to prevent winter deaths and illnesses associated with cold homes: A quick guide for home care managers

For a vulnerable person, living in a cold home increases their chance of serious illness or death. They are at higher risk of a heart attack or stroke, breathing problems, flu, depression and falls.

This effect occurs not just in extreme winter weather but also in moderate conditions and particularly when outdoor temperature drops below 6oC. For those with care needs, being housebound increases both the exposure to an underheated home and the cost of heating it.

SCIE have produced a handy guide fro Home care managers to support vulnerable people who may be enduring underheated homes. You can read more here.