NEARLY HALF OF Irish adults worry about the comfort and well-being of an elderly parent or relative during the winter months, a survey by AA Ireland has revealed.

Of the over 6,500 people that were polled, concerns included the general upkeep and condition of their relatives house, their ability to pay their home heating costs and their ability to cope during periods of snow and ice.

Making sure that the entrance to their house remains clear during periods of bad weather is the first port of call for those surveyed, followed by making sure that their heating and food needs are taken care of.

Following this, those concerned typically ask a neighbour to keep check on their relatives, while also urging elderly relatives to get the flu vaccination.

In contrast, family members were found to be least likely to intervene in order to help pay bills for amenities and maintenance, with many responding that that their own personal financial situations prevented them from doing so. Another reason for this was that they didn’t want to hurt the elderly relatives pride.

Some ways that people can help the elderly over the winter months, as suggested by the AA, are:

• Bleed their radiators in order to maximise their heating.
• Have their boiler serviced. It’s also a good idea to install a basic carbon monoxide alarm.
• Check their home for drafts. Installing “door jams” will also help to keep the house free of mice and rats.
• Have their chimney swept.
• Check their smoke alarms, and replace the batteries if necessary.

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