Winter Wellbeing for Carers: Staying Warm, Saving Energy and Looking After Yourself
Winter can be a particularly demanding time for Carers. Cold weather, higher energy use, and health worries can all add extra challenges or pressure — especially when you’re caring for someone who may be older, disabled, or living with a long-term condition.
Staying warm in winter isn’t just about heating your home. It’s about protecting your own health, wellbeing and finances while supporting the person you care for.
Keeping Warm – For You and the Person You Care For
Cold homes can affect health, particularly for people with breathing conditions, reduced mobility, or weakened immune systems. As a Carer, you may need to balance comfort, cost, and health.
Some simple ways to stay warm include:
- Heating the person, not just the room — warm layers, blankets, and hot drinks can make a big difference.
- Keeping doors closed in unused rooms so warmth stays where it’s needed.
- Using heating steadily rather than short bursts, which can make homes feel colder overall.
If the person you care for needs a warmer environment due to their health, that is a need, not a luxury.
Using Energy Wisely
Being energy-efficient doesn’t mean going without warmth. Small changes can help keep your home comfortable while avoiding unnecessary energy use:
- Let in natural warmth during the day and close curtains in the evening.
- Make sure radiators aren’t blocked by furniture.
- Reduce damp by ventilating kitchens and bathrooms, especially after cooking, washing, or drying clothes indoors.
Damp and mould can affect breathing and overall health, so managing moisture is especially important when caring for someone vulnerable.
Looking After Your Health and Wellbeing as a Carer
Carers often put their own needs last — but winter can take a real toll on both physical and mental health. Looking after yourself isn’t selfish. It helps you continue caring safely and sustainably.
Try to:
- Take regular breaks, even short ones, to rest and reset.
- Stay connected with others through calls, groups, or local warm spaces.
Keep gently active where possible — movement supports circulation and mood.
Getting Support This Winter
Many Carers and the people they care for are entitled to extra support during winter, including help with energy costs, protections from suppliers, and local advice services.
If you’re worried about keeping warm, managing energy use, or coping with winter pressures, support is available — and you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Where to Find More Information
Your local Citizens Advice will have advise on staying warm and managing the costs of this:
Hastings and Rother: www.citizensadvice1066.co.uk
Eastbourne: www.eastbournecab.co.uk
Lewes: www.lewesdistrictca.org.uk
Wealden: www.wealdencitizensadvice.org.uk
You can request FREE energy advice home visits through www.warmeastsussex.org.uk/warm-home-check or Freephone 0800 464 7307 or Text ARMHOME to 88440
Winter can be challenging, but with the right support and small, practical steps, you can protect both your wellbeing and the wellbeing of the person you care for.
Reaching out for advice or support can help you manage during this challenging season.
Association of Carers has monthly Carers Cafes and Lunch Clubs which can be great meet-ups for hot food and drink, and company with others.
📞 01424 722309