The Keeping Warm in Later Life ProjecT (KWILLT) involved interviews with older residents, a range of health and social care staff, service users and local leaders. 

Research findings show that many older people live in cold homes during the winter months with temperatures way below the recommended levels.  Recommended temperatures for older people during winter months are 18˚C to 24˚C and recommended humidity is 30% to 40%. 

The majority of the older people told researchers they live in homes where temperatures are as low as 8.8°C with a relative humidity of either below 30% or above 50%.  Temperatures as low as 8.8 °C are slightly above the temperatures which you would find in your refrigerator.

NHS Rotherham advises older people to keep their homes at temperatures between 21˚C and 24˚C during very cold periods.

Low temperatures can have severe effects on health and also increase indoor moisture which can lead to dampness, mould and poor indoor air quality.  This can have health implications on both individuals and their houses.  Damp homes can lead to respiratory problems and make existing breathing problems such as asthma worse.  Mould spores can also produce symptoms in people such as vomiting, diarrhoea and headaches.

Jo Abbott, Consultant in Public Health at NHS Rotherham, said: “Older people are advised to keep their home temperatures at the recommended level and ensure their homes are properly insulated. Families and those in contact with older vulnerable people are asked to reinforce this message and encourage older people to keep their homes heated throughout the cold months to prevent ill health and disrepair to the building occurring.

“There are a number of schemes operating whereby older people and families can receive help to keep their homes warm.  The Hotspots Scheme has been running for a few years now and can help people to access grants for insulation and even new central heating systems.”

The project started in October 2009 and will be concluded in November 2011. Project partners include Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, National Energy Action, Sheffield Hallam University and Age UK Rotherham.  The project has been funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Research for Patient Benefit programme.

The South Yorkshire Hotspots Scheme is a partner approach to offer householders access to four services that will promote health, improve safety in the home, tackle health inequalities and help people to keep their homers warm.  It is run by the four local authorities, the NHS, South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue and the Pensions Service.  Residents can access the scheme through completion of a simple referral card, which takes just five minutes to fill in.  For further information please contact: catherine.homer@rotherham.nhs.uk or telephone 01709 302746.

 Note to Editors:

• About the NIHR:

The National Institute for Health Research provides the framework through which the research staff and research infrastructure of the NHS in England is positioned, maintained and managed as a national research facility. The NIHR provides the NHS with the support and infrastructure it needs to conduct first class research funded by the Government and its partners alongside high-quality patient care, education and training. Its aim is to support outstanding individuals (both leaders and collaborators), working in world class facilities

Ref: NHSR11-P59