Keeping Warm This Winter
Funded by National Grid Community Grant.
As temperatures drop outside it can sometimes be a challenge to stay warm. For those with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD) it is essential to stay warm to stay well.
People with PMLD have disabilities that significantly affect their ability to communicate and be independent. They often have difficulties seeing, hearing, speaking and moving which leads to them having complicated health and social care needs.
National Grid, through their Community Fund, have supplied all our clients with specially tailored warm packs to support staying warm at home, and funded the Myriad Centre as a designated warm space to ensure clients stay warm and well when they visit us this winter.
Cold weather tips
Make sure your home is warm enough
Simple changes can help to keep you and your home warm.
Try to heat rooms you spend a lot of time in, such as the living room or bedroom, to at least 18°C
Try to reduce draughts; you can fit draft excluders around doors cheaply, or make homemade ones
Close your curtains as it gets dark to help keep the heat in
Keep your bedroom windows closed at night
Wear several layers of thinner clothing; this will keep you warmer than one thicker layer
Keep moving & eat well
Try not to sit still for more than an hour
Try and move round your warm room, or do some gentle stretches
Try and have at least one hot meal a day and some hot drinks
Keep up with giving regular physio and postural care exercises to your loved one with PMLD – these will help ward off illnesses caused by the cold temperatures.
Going out and about
Wrap up warm in a number of layers, including a scarf, hat and gloves
Try and stock up on a few essentials – this will prevent you having to go out during the very cold weather
Seek financial support
There are grants and benefits to support you if you are struggling with fuel costs:
Warm Home Discount Scheme – to support those on low incomes who have high energy costs. To find out more click here
Cold Weather Payment – You may get Cold Weather Payments if you’re getting certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest. To find out more click here
Winter Fuel Payment – If you were born before 25 September 1957 you could get between £250 and £600 to help you pay your heating bills. To find out more click here
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