Friend's Supported Housing is cold

whistles

I wasn't sure where to put this so put it here.

I visited my friend at her home and discovered that it was actually really cold. I suggested that we went out for coffee as the Cafe would have the heating on. It was 14 degrees in the warmest room because they have a temp guage thing.

There are two carers, who won't put the heating on in the daytime due to the cost and occasionally it gets put on for a few hours in the evening.

How concerned about this would you be. I thought the whole point of having a supportive house was that you were supported to live a normal life. It shouldn't be cold like this.

Elizabeth100

Hi Whistles, I would be concerned about such low temperatures, 100%. If she can afford a heated blanket (or any cosy blanket and a hot water bottle), she could buy one and watch television or listen to music in a chair, wrapped in the blanket.

Some of the public libraries do have the heating on, and offer free hot drinks (last year some were offering dignity packs with hats and vests etc.) but I don't know how mobile she is. Either way, 14 degrees is an appalling temperature to have to live with, so it's good she has a friend like you, E xx

PS there is Social Prescribing if that might be worth a look at? https://www.england.nhs.uk/personalisedcare/social-prescribing/

russ7

Do the radiators need bleeding ? I'd speak to the manager to ask if the heating is actually working..

JennieWren

Yes, you’re right to be concerned. That’s appalling! If I were you next time I visited I’d take a thermometer and take a picture of it and if your friend is able she should document it several times a day, so you have proof.

I’d also just ask the manager if there’s a problem with the heating as you’d noticed how cold it was. It might be enough to jog them along.

If your friend is willing I’d get a thermometer and put it somewhere obvious. Although they may not want to rock the boat.

If it continues I’d then write to the supervisor advising them that if the situation doesn’t improve you’ll need to take it further.
My friends elderly mum is in a home and the food is so atrocious that many of them get Tesco deliveries weekly and take aways delivered. They’ve also not put in proper safety measures, which ended in serious injury. They charge a fortune too. Fortunately her family advocate for her and the situation has been reported to the appropriate body.
In the meantime hat, scarf/shawl, fingerless gloves, blankets and thick socks might be gifts I’d be thinking of getting her for Christmas. If she’s able to get out and about churches and libraries often offer warm spaces to go to. I helped with one at our church, but hardly anyone came, yet the cafe opposite, that obviously charges, was full of people. I think people worry about going in to a church that they’ll get hit over the head with a bible 😂 but often we just want to bless the community we’re in.

OverlyAnxious

14c is too cold, but if they can't afford the heating bills, it's a very difficult situation.

Is your friend allowed a plug in heater in her bedroom at least?

teuchterlass

Help her to get on touch with energy suppliers - explain how cold it is and cannot afford to heat. The energy company may provide an electric throw and various other insulation and energy reducing items for the person to use.

Ensure the person wears a hat and wrists are well covered and warm ( blood supply very exposed and liable to get chilled there)

Contact social work too - after several temperature recordings taken.

bookrabbit

That is too cold, it will end up being damp too at that temperature. I regard 16° as an absolute minimum and 18° as nice.

I don't have gas heating and only expensive electric radiators that I don't use. Instead I use two 100w clothes airers and boost it with a bioethanol stove if they don't keep it above 16° alone. I am in a small mid terrace house and added extra layers of curtains to all the doors and windows so I only have to balance what is lost through those. I only use 5kwh a day of electricity and yet stay comfortable. I save more electricity by turning off the hot water and just boiling a kettle to wash up.

whistles

Thank you for your replies.

I have voiced my concerns and was diplomatic in wondering whether or not the heating was being repaired, ie not working (we've had the bad storms etc)

I also spoke to the son of another resident who also had a few words. He wasn't aware of how bad the conditions were as he's abroad just now.

Catherine21

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/126739/friends-supported-housing-is-cold

Thats just awful my dad lives in retirement home with individual flats they can put heating on round the clock I would be extremely annoyed should be included in rent

Daffodil94

firstly, find out who runs the home. Secondly find out how your friend is getting funding to live there. This is a legal matter and there are laws about minimum temperatures. The “Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act is the piece of legislation. Incidentally, anything below 13 degrees can kill (Age UK information). Recommended temperature is 21 degrees for living room and 18 elsewhere. You’re doing really well and probably saving your friend’s life. I would start making some noise with the owner and funders of your friend’s placement. Quote the Act and that should get them moving. Hope this helps.

Razr

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/126739/friends-supported-housing-is-cold

In supported living that i have been with/in and there a few, i have normally found it to be too hot for myself, generally 21 degrees, 14 is way to low and should be complained about to the main office from where the care is provided

Also If you look on the internet there are things called ceramic heaters that blow hot air, they are about 500w, way less than your usual heater, they are very efficient, i have been heating my Victorian front room (large Front room) for the past 3 years very easily and a lot cheaper, no central heating needs to go on,

https://www.ebay.co. little heatersuk/itm/176591542670, excellent little heaters

Razr

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/176591542670

whistles

We are looking into an electric blanket for when it's not on.

Too cold and you start to get a headache, well I was just visiting.

I don't know why this thread is coming up as unanswered?

JennieWren

electric blankets are great until you have to get up to go to the loo or get a drink or want to do something with your hands. And as you say you get brain freeze.