Keeping Someone With Dementia Warm This Winter: The Help You Can Claim

Winter is harder when someone is living with dementia. They may move less, sit for long spells, and not notice they're getting cold, or not remember how to turn the heating up. At the same time, they're often at home all day, so the bills climb. This guide covers both sides: keeping them safely warm, and the money help worth checking.

Why people with dementia can feel the cold more

Dementia can affect how someone notices and responds to cold. They might not say they're chilly, take off layers without realising, open a window, or forget to put the heating on. Sitting still for long periods makes it worse. And because being cold can make anyone more confused, a sudden change in confusion in winter is worth checking against the temperature before assuming the dementia has progressed.

Simple ways to keep them warm and safe

Aim for 18°C or more in the rooms they use most. The NHS advises this for older people and anyone with a health condition. A cheap room thermometer near their chair takes the guesswork out.

Layers beat one thick jumper. Thin layers trap warmth, and a blanket over the knees, warm socks and slippers with a good grip help too.

Warm food and drinks through the day. Regular hot drinks and at least one hot meal help keep the body warm. Leave a flask within reach if you're out.

Think about the heating controls. If they keep turning the heating off or up full, a thermostat cover or a heating system the family can check from a phone app can help.

Heaters and blankets: safety first. Keep heaters away from curtains and chairs, and never use an electric blanket together with a hot water bottle. Your local fire and rescue service may offer a free home fire safety or Safe and Well visit, which is worth asking about.

Know the warning signs. Shivering, pale cold skin, slurred speech, slow breathing, unusual drowsiness or increased confusion can be signs of hypothermia. If you think someone has hypothermia, call 999. While waiting, move them somewhere sheltered, remove wet clothing and wrap them in dry blankets. Do not use a hot bath, hot-water bottle or heat lamp, and do not rub their arms or legs.

The money help to check this winter

Start with Attendance Allowance. There's no heating benefit just for dementia, but a diagnosis often means someone qualifies for Attendance Allowance (or PIP if under State Pension age). It isn't means-tested, and getting it can lead to Pension Credit, which unlocks most of the help below.

Winter Fuel Payment. For winter 2026/27 it's £100 to £300 for people born on or before 27 June 1960. Most eligible people are paid automatically, although some need to claim. If their own total income is over £35,000 (a partner's income isn't added), HMRC will recover the payment through the tax system.

Warm Home Discount. £150 off the electricity bill, usually automatic, for households on Pension Credit and some other means-tested benefits in England and Wales.

Cold Weather Payments. £25 for each very cold week between November and March, for people on certain benefits including Pension Credit. These are paid automatically.

The new £100 energy payment. In England, households in council tax bands A to D are expected to receive £100 from January 2027. Direct Debit payers should receive it automatically; councils will contact other eligible households about how to apply. Wales has also confirmed £100 for households in bands A to D, but its payment dates and arrangements have not yet been published. Only respond through verified council contact details, and never give information to an unexpected caller.

Council tax reduction for cognitive impairment. A dementia diagnosis alone is not enough, but someone may qualify if a doctor certifies that they meet the relevant cognitive-impairment test and they are entitled to a qualifying disability benefit. It can mean a 25% reduction or, in some households, no council tax at all. In Wales, these are now called the Significant Cognitive Impairment rules. Our council tax discount guide explains how to apply.

The Priority Services Register. It's free with every energy supplier: priority help in a power cut, advance warning of planned interruptions, and extra support for someone with memory problems. Contact their energy supplier to sign them up.

Local crisis help. If money is very tight, the council may be able to help through its local support or crisis fund.

Where to get help

Age UK Advice (England) on 0800 678 1602, or Age Cymru Advice (Wales) on 0300 303 44 98, can check what someone is entitled to. Citizens Advice can help too, including with energy debt.

A word from The Care Compass

The help that already exists only works if people claim it. If you do one thing after reading this, check whether Attendance Allowance and Pension Credit are in place. Those two open the door to most of the rest.

This article is for guidance only and does not constitute financial or benefits advice. Figures were checked in October 2026 and can change; please confirm current details on GOV.UK. Scotland and Northern Ireland have some different schemes.

You don’t have to navigate it alone.