Energy Action gives the following advice to its customers:



*Room Temperature Guide available free from Energy Action.

21 C(70 F) is the recommended temperature in every room for an elderly person.

Make sure you have at least one hot meal a day and regular hot drinks;

Make contact with the local social service centre so that you may go on their meals on wheels list;

Wear warm clothes. Several thin layers of clothing are more warming than one thick layer and natural fibres like wool are more effective than synthetic ones. Wearing thermal underwear helps too.

Wear head gear, coat and gloves when going outside in the cold weather no matter how short the trip is. 25% if body heat loss appears through the head;
If you have to get up in the middle of the night wear a dressing gown or a shawl.

Keep active by exercising gently, regular activity produces extra heat inside the body.

Heat your bed using a hot water bottle or an electric blanket and use extra bed clothes.

Insulate your home. If you are a pensioner, disabled or living alone and live in Dublin area, Energy Action may be able to insulate you home free of charge. If you live outside of this area, contact us anyway and we will try to put you in touch with a similar group somewhere in your area.