As April begins, so too does another round of financial strain – and for older people and their adult children who support them, the impact is hitting harder than ever.
From 1 April, energy bills, council tax and broadband prices are all increasing, adding new pressures to households already juggling care and cost. It’s a month many are calling Awful April.
For older people, who often spend more time at home and are more vulnerable to the cold, these hikes can be both financially and physically dangerous. And for those who support them – the UK’s 4 million+ carents (adult children caring for elderly parents) – the squeeze is just as real.
Many carents are working fewer hours or even retiring early to meet their parents’ needs. With less income and more responsibility, the rising cost of simply keeping the lights and heating on is becoming unsustainable.
“We hear every day from carents who are worried about how they’ll keep mum or dad warm this month. Many are cutting back themselves to try to make ends meet,” said Dr Jackie Gray, founder of Carents®.
In response, we're hosting Energy themed Time to Talks on 1 April and 21 May featuring The Energy Doctor, an expert in energy efficiency and household budgeting. The sessions will cover:
- How to understand and reduce energy bills
- Free and low-cost changes to make homes more efficient
- Grants and support schemes Carents and their parents can apply for
“We can’t stop the rises, but we can help people feel less powerless,” said Dr Gray. “This webinar is all about practical advice – the kind you can use immediately to make a difference.”
The event is open to all carents looking for help for themselves and those they love, and includes a live Q&A session where attendees can ask their own questions.
To find out more, head over to our events page and register for Time to Talk.
