Prices are rising in every direction, including food and energy. This is hard enough for working families to deal with, but when you take into account that an older person may not have very much income – perhaps only their state pension – then you can see why the issue is such a concern for so many elderly people and their families.
Although it is an issue that will need tackling in a wider sense, it’s crucial to know what individuals can do to help themselves if they are struggling with bills. Read on for some advice that might help an older loved one feel more comfortable and spend less in the coming months and years.
Move
The idea of moving house to cut energy and other bills might seem extreme, but it could actually be the best idea. If your older loved one is currently living in a house that’s too big for them, downsizing to a smaller place – perhaps a one-bedroom flat rather than a three-bedroom house, for example – could be ideal, as they will pay less on energy. If it is close to public transport, they might even want to forgo their car and save money that way, too.
Another option is to move into a care home such as the ones at signature-care-homes.co.uk. In this way, they won’t have to worry about their bills at all and can instead enjoy a happy and fulfilling life in comfort. For peace of mind as well as cost-effectiveness, it could be the perfect solution.
Don’t Leave Equipment On Standby
Due to the pandemic, older people are more familiar with technology than they were in the past. People use smartphones or iPads to stay in touch with their loved ones when they can’t see them in person.
When it comes to how much energy these devices use, it’s easy to get caught out. It’s easy to forget about them overnight and leave them plugged in for longer than they need to be. Even putting your smart TV on standby when you aren’t watching it can slowly raise your bills over time. Therefore, check everything before you go to bed and ensure anything that can be unplugged is.
Switch Energy Providers
Switching your energy provider could save you a lot of money, and it’s easy to do.
In the past, a family would stay with the same energy provider for a long time because they didn’t want to leave a company they had been loyal to for a long time. However, these days, it’s very common for people to switch providers often to make sure they’re always getting the best deals.
Some people find it scary to switch energy providers, especially older people who are more careful with their money and whom they do business with. This is why it’s worth discussing this option with your loved one and helping them if need be. Show them the savings they could make and, if they agree, make the switch on their behalf.
Also Read: 6 Assisted Living Communities For Seniors in Oregon
