Advice

Saving money on energy bills during the winter when you’re caring for a person with dementia

We asked Dementia together magazine readers and members of our Dementia Support Forum for their advice about saving energy in winter.

Trish Davidson says, ‘We bought cosy electric blankets last year and they are much cheaper than turning on the electric heating while watching TV.

We also use electric blankets on our beds. Wear jumpers and thermal vests, like we did when we were children.

‘Now we just use an electric towel rail to dry towels after use and rarely ever use the tumble dryer now. However, if you’re dealing with incontinence, I appreciate this might not be a positive way forward.’

John says, ‘Socks, gloves, hats and throws are what we use! Plus, have just had our loft insulation brought up to date, as was 20 years old.’

Gill Barratt says, ‘Get thermal curtains to help with draughts, put blankets on your knees and try a fleecy three-quarter length top with a hood. They are cosy over your normal clothes.

If your loved one with dementia is active, is it possible to move them out of sitting positions to increase circulation? It’s beneficial to aiding warmth. 

‘Do some stretches where they can or seated, gentle exercises. Assist with walking if it’s safe and you have space indoors.’

Sensors and smart tech

Moui says, ‘My mum is still living in her flat, which has individual electric panel heaters in each room. These cost an absolute fortune to run and, as they are pretty old, the thermostat doesn’t work well.

‘When she was well, she would just turn them on and off as needed.

‘However she is now unable to do so, and I became very concerned she would sit in a freezing room or leave them on constantly in unoccupied rooms.

‘I bought smart plugs for each radiator and temperature sensors. 

I can manage the devices remotely via the app and use smart automation, automating the plugs to switch on or off depending on the temperature measured by the sensor as well as the time of day.

‘They also have cameras and smart light bulbs as well, so I have set up the lights to turn on in the lounge or bedroom when the camera detects motion.

‘If we left all the radiators on all day, it would cost £70 per day, so the investment into the devices is more than worthwhile, as well as giving me peace of mind.’

Check supplier tariffs

Louise7 says, ‘If you’ve been with the same energy supplier for a while it’s worth looking around to check tariffs with other suppliers.

‘When my mum was living at home she had been with the same supplier for years and thought it was “too much trouble” to change to a different company and it would be more expensive.

‘However, some of the other suppliers were offering better rates, resulting in quite a good monthly saving, so it’s definitely worth shopping around if you’re worried about heating bills.’

Martin says, ‘I care for my brother who is 72 and has dementia. He is on a dual fuel plan.

I signed him up for free energy supply on a weekend, meaning that between certain hours his energy is free. It’s easy and simple to sign up.

‘His home is kept at the same temperature 24/7, which also shows a good saving rather than turning it up and down.’