Keeping Your Elderly Parent’s Home Warm This Winter: Practical Help for Carents

Reviewed by: Dr Jackie Gray, Public Health Expert and Retired GP
(Carents Trusted Reviewer Programme – Last reviewed July 2025)

Good insulation keeps warmth in and costs down.

• Stop draughts. Check for gaps around doors and windows. Use draught excluders or weatherstripping to keep cold air out.

• Loft and wall insulation. If possible, check the loft and walls have enough insulation. It prevents heat escaping and can be covered by grants.

• Curtains and blinds. Heavy or thermal-lined curtains hold in warmth. Close them at dusk and open them in daylight.

Small tweaks make a big difference.

• Thermostat timers. Set heating to come on before your parent wakes and go off when they’re in bed.

• Bleed radiators. Trapped air stops them working properly.

• Heat used rooms. Focus on heating the rooms your parent uses most. Keep unused rooms at a lower temperature to save on energy.Keep main living areas cosy and reduce heat in unused rooms.

Staying warm doesn’t just mean more heating, extra warmth can come from other sources.

• Encourage layers: thermals, jumpers, warm socks, slippers (but make sure they have a good grip to reduce the risks of falls).

• Provide extra blankets or a higher-tog duvet. Flannel sheets can add warmth, helping to keep elderly warm at home during the night.

• Add an electric blanket or hot water bottle for extra comfort in bed.

• Let sunlight in during the day.

• Close curtains as soon as it gets dark.

• Cooking or baking adds heat and a sense of home: share a warm meal together.

There’s more support available than many realise.

• Winter Fuel and Cold Weather Payments. Check eligibility on GOV.UK.

• Local grants. Councils and energy suppliers often offer grants, discounts and help with insulation and heating upgrades.

• Household Support Fund. Ask your local council if your parent can get help with bills.

• Pension Credit. If they qualify, they may get extra winter help including the winter fuel payment 

• Book an annual boiler service.

• If the boiler is old, look into an energy-saving replacement, some grants cover this.

• Check radiators regularly for cold spots.

• Electric blankets. Warm the bed before sleep and switch off before dozing off.

• Hot water bottles and heat pads. Cheap and reliable.

• Portable heaters. Choose ones with safety cut-offs and never leave them unattended.

Activity has multiple benefits including a boost to circulation, strength and wellbeing:

• Light movement boosts circulation. Encourage walking around the house or gentle stretching.

• Hobbies that involve movement, like tidying or crafts, also help.

• Even small bursts of activity can make a big difference.

No one should face cold or loneliness alone.

• Many libraries, community centres, and churches run Warm Spaces where people can stay comfortable.

• Some centres such as Cadent’s Centres for Warmth support vulnerable households, check for one nearby.

• Joining local groups can improve social interaction and reduce heating costs at home

Being mindful of energy consumption can help to contain and manage costs 

• Review bills for sudden increases.

• Consider using a smart meter to track usage and spot waste.

• Unplug unused devices, even small savings help.

As people age, their bodies lose heat faster and react more slowly to cold. Muscle mass drops, circulation slows, and some medicines make it harder to feel when the temperature drops. Give extra thought to someone living with cognitive impairment - they might not readily notice the need to wear extra clothing or turn the heating up.  That means an elderly parent can be dangerously cold without realising it.

f the house feels cool to you, it’s probably too cold for them. Aim to keep rooms used daily at around 21°C (70°F) and bedrooms above 18°C.

If your parent sometimes forgets to turn things off, choose equipment that’s simple and safe. Avoid open-flame heaters. Use plug-in timers or smart plugs so heaters switch on and off automatically. Keep controls clearly labelled and within easy reach.

Regularly check smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms. Small safety steps can prevent big risks and help everyone sleep easier.

Every home is different, and every parent has their own comfort habits. The aim isn’t perfection, just steady warmth and safety. Don’t hesitate to reach out for advice, Age UK and local councils can guide you to extra help.

Reviewed by Dr Jackie Gray, December 2025