Keeping warm and well at home this winter: a guide for older people and families

Cold weather is about more than comfort. For older people, a cold home can raise blood pressure, make chest infections more likely and increase the risk of falls. The good news is that a few simple habits, and the financial help that's available, can make a real difference. This guide is for older people and for the sons, daughters and neighbours who keep an eye on them.

Why the cold matters more as we get older

As we age, our bodies become less able to sense the cold and keep warm. Long-term conditions such as heart and lung disease, diabetes, dementia and Parkinson's, as well as some medicines, can make this harder still. The NHS advises heating the rooms you use regularly to at least 18°C, especially if you're over 65 or have a long-term health condition. See the NHS advice on keeping warm.

Simple ways to keep warm at home

• Heat the room you spend most time in during the day, and the bedroom before you go to bed.
• Wear several thin layers rather than one thick one, and keep hands, feet and head warm.
• Eat at least one hot meal a day and have regular warm drinks.
• Keep moving. Try not to sit still for more than an hour at a time.
• Keep the heat in. Close curtains at dusk, use draught excluders and keep internal doors shut.
• Use hot water bottles and electric blankets safely. Never use both together, and check electric blankets regularly for wear.

Help with heating costs for winter 2026 to 2027

Winter Fuel Payment. If you were born on or before 27 June 1960, you could get between £100 and £300 towards your heating bills for winter 2026 to 2027. Most people are paid automatically in November or December, based on their circumstances during the qualifying week of 21 to 27 September 2026. If your own taxable income is over £35,000, HMRC will take the payment back through the tax system. Full details are on GOV.UK.

• Pension Credit. Worth checking even if you think you won't qualify, because it can unlock other help such as Cold Weather Payments and the Warm Home Discount. See gov.uk/pension-credit.
• Cold Weather Payment. Paid automatically to people on certain benefits when the local temperature is recorded or forecast at 0°C or below for seven days in a row. See gov.uk/cold-weather-payment.
• Warm Home Discount. A one-off discount on your electricity bill for eligible households. See gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme.
• Priority Services Register. Free to join through your energy supplier, and gives extra support during power cuts.
• Your local council. Many councils offer one-off help with energy bills, insulation or heating repairs. Schemes change, so check your council's website.

Staying safe in cold, dark weather

• Reduce the risk of falls. Darker evenings and icy paths make falls more likely. Use night lights, keep paths gritted and ask for help with shopping on icy days. Our guide to preventing falls at home has a full checklist.
• Get the boiler serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer and fit a carbon monoxide alarm.
• Get vaccinated. People aged 65 and over can usually get free flu and COVID-19 vaccines from the NHS each autumn.
• Stock up on regular medicines and some easy store-cupboard food before bad weather or bank holidays.
• Keep important numbers by the phone, including family, the GP and NHS 111.

Don't forget about loneliness

Short days and bad weather mean fewer trips out, and that can leave people feeling cut off. A regular phone call or visit can be just as important as the heating. Read our guide to loneliness in later life for ideas.

How home care can help in winter

Visiting carers can check the home is warm, prepare hot meals, help with washing and dressing in a warm room, collect shopping and prescriptions, and notice early signs that someone is becoming unwell. For families who live further away, that can be a real reassurance. Find out more about our elderly care at home. Our private packages start from seven hours a week, with visits of at least an hour.

Frequently asked questions

What temperature should an older person's home be in winter?

The NHS advises heating the rooms you use regularly to at least 18°C, particularly if you are over 65 or have a long-term health condition.

Do I need to claim the Winter Fuel Payment?

Most eligible people are paid automatically. You may need to claim if you have never received it before, or if you have deferred your State Pension. Check GOV.UK for the current rules.

Can a home carer help someone stay warm?

Yes. Carers can make sure the heating is on, prepare hot food and drinks, help with dressing in warm layers and look out for signs that someone is getting too cold or becoming unwell.

This guide is general information about care in England and isn't medical, legal or financial advice. Last reviewed 15 October 2026.