OUT IN THE COLD - Over 55 year olds failing to get the winter warmth they're entitled to
1st September 2006

Over 5 million* older Brits could be risking their health by failing to plan ahead for a winter freeze according to research out today. This is despite the fact that tens of thousands of older people in England and Wales died last winter simply because of the cold**.

The research from the not-for-profit ‘Home Heat Helpline’ polled 1,595 over-55 year olds and found that over half (51%) are cutting back on their heating in an effort to reduce their bills and a similar number (47%) choose to heat only selected rooms in their homes for the same reason, leaving their houses inadequately heated.

Although summer is only just coming to an end the Home Heat Helpline, along with The Royal British Legion and Carers UK are urging over-55 year olds to prepare for winter now by reviewing their home insulation to protect them against a big chill, particularly with last year’s arctic conditions in mind.

Duncan Sedgwick, Chief Executive of the Energy Retail Association which runs the Home Heat Helpline adds “It is worrying that so many older people are suffering unnecessarily and cutting back on their heating. By planning now and getting your homes insulated you can be better prepared. Calling the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99 is the first step, our advisors can help not only save money on heating bills, but could help you get insulation fitted free in time for the winter."

But worryingly two thirds of over-55 year olds questioned only started to think about heating their home in winter less than a month before the cold weather sets in, with over a third of these (35%) admitting to never pre-planning for winter at all leaving them at risk if arctic conditions hit.

In fact older householders were more likely to plan ahead for a visit from relatives or a doctor’s appointment than for heating their home during the winter. This is despite the fact 4 in 10 over-55 year olds worry that insufficient heating could impact negatively on their health and wellbeing.

And despite all of the over-55 year olds polled admitting they knew insulating their home could save them money on their heating bills, only half (52%) said they would consider insulating their home in the summer months in preparation for winter.

The Home Heat Helpline, a free telephone service that offers advice and help to people worried about their heating bills is calling on all people over-55 to think about insulating their home before the cold weather sets in, so they have ample time to access both Government and supplier grants to get free insulation measures fitted in time for winter.

It is estimated that installing cavity wall and loft insulation can save you up to £300 a year on heating bills.

Bryan Clover, Head of Community Services, from The Royal British Legion which provides help and assistance for many elderly veterans and veterans with young families, comments on the report: “The research from the Home Heat Helpline tallies with our experience that the cost of heating their home sufficiently in winter is a very real worry for many older people. There are approximately 10.5 million veterans and many of them worry about their heating bills. We would encourage anyone who is worried to start thinking about insulating their home now and get in touch with Home Heat Helpline to see if they are eligible for help.”

Imelda Redmond, Chief Executive of Carers UK an organisation which represents carers of ill, frail or disabled friends and family said, "Paying heating bills can be a real worry for carers. Work that Carers UK carried out found one in three carers struggling to pay basic bills, including heating bills. It is something that we get calls about on our helpline. One in three carers is in debt and one in ten cuts back on food to make ends meet. Worry about heating bills and problems with heating are issues that CarersLine callers tell us about. Getting things sorted quickly will be a real bonus to carers.

Carers are often worn out from providing care, which can be very stressful as well. It is extremely important that things are done to make life easier, like giving specialist advice and sorting out how bills are paid, which the Home Heat helpline provides."

The Home Heat Helpline research also found:
• Although rising fuel bills are a concern across the country, the over-55 year old age group is more likely than younger Brits under-55 years old to have to juggle their monthly income in order to pay their heating bills
• Nearly half of over-55 year olds rely on old fashioned thermal clothing and 3 in ten on hot water bottles to keep them warm in winter.

The Home Heat Helpline (0800 33 66 99), launched by the Energy Retail Association provides vulnerable customers with help and funding to improve their home insulation. In fact research has found that customers in need could be missing out on benefits worth as much as £1,500* each.

Ends

Media Contacts: For further information and access to case studies please call
Sophia Dean, Kim Power, Darren Young at Good Relations: T 020 7861 3030
Suzi Darsa at the Home Heat Helpline: T 020 7930 9174 / 07887 523 522
Emily Holzhausen / Kate Groucutt at Carers UK: T 020 7566 7637 / 020 7566 7616

NOTES TO EDITORS:
* Based on GB population of over-55 year olds of 16,069,500
** Help the Aged
*** Research conducted by British Gas in 2006

1. The Helpline operates from Monday to Friday (9am-8pm) and from 10am-2pm on Saturday. There is a free minicom number (0800 027 2122) and the Helpline also has access to interpreters for those callers whose first language is not English
2. The Helpline is operated by The essentiagroup and is staffed by expert advisers, including former health professionals, who are trained to give advice on how to stay warm during the cold weather. They are also trained and authorised to deal with intermediaries calling on behalf of vulnerable customers, such as friends, carers, social workers or health visitors
3. The Energy Retail Association was established in October 2003 and is the only dedicated trade association for domestic energy suppliers in the UK. The Energy Retail Association’s mission is to identify areas where its members can work for the common good without competitive advantage. More information can be found at http://www.energy-retail.org.uk/
4. The Royal British Legion’s charitable work covers a range of services including grant-making to those in need, pensions and benefits advice, vocational assessment and careers advice, home and hospital visits as well as the provision of full nursing care. For further information about the Legion’s work please visit www.britishlegion.org.uk
5. Carers UK is the leading campaigning, policy and information organisation of and for carers - people who care, unpaid, for their disabled, ill and frail family, friends and neighbours. Carers UK continues to make a difference to carers' lives by: campaigning for a better deal for carers; informing carers of their rights and what help is available; training and advising professionals who work with carers; working across the UK through its membership and networks of branches and affiliates. For more information, visit www.carersuk.org.