Jun 10, 2022

Elderly at risk of dying in their homes amid freezing temperatures and soaring fuel prices

Elderly at risk of dying in their homes amid freezing temperatures and soaring fuel prices

Elderly Australians are dying in their homes because they can’t afford to heat them, says the leader of Victoria’s social advocacy body.

Emma King, CEO of Victorian Council of Social Services, told Melbourne’s 3AW last week that dozens of people die from hypothermia in their own homes every year.

A 2019 report by The Alfred and Monash Universities revealed a significant number of older Australians suffered from hypothermia because they could not afford to turn on their heating.

One patient was admitted to hospital with a body temperature of only 24 degrees, Ms King said.

Researchers have found that older people or people with health conditions are more likely to die from hypothermia than younger people with the condition.

Between 2009 and 2016, 217 people were admitted to hospital for hypothermia. The majority were found indoors.

“Their own homes weren’t warm or safe places to be,” said Ms King.

The recent sharp increase in the cost of energy at the same time fuel and food prices are soaring is likely to lead vulnerable people to make the difficult decision not to turn on their heating.

She said the freezing temperatures and high fuel and energy costs are “impacting everyone, but it’s particularly impacting people on low incomes,” Ms King said.

Temperatures in Victoria and along the east coast of Australia have been the coldest in 80 years and we are seeing the highest gas and power prices in decades.

Ms King advised anyone struggling to pay their power bills to contact their energy retailer straight away and to make sure they access any concessions they are entitled to.

Ms King said her concerns are shared by doctors and health organisations.

“It’s critically important [older people] stay safe and stay warm,” she said. 

“These are unprecedented times. It’s about what matters to households right now. They’re not interested in who’s blaming who for supply.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Suspected Gas Leak Causes Evacuation at Tasmanian Aged Care Home

A suspected gas leak at OneCare’s Rubicon Grove in Port Sorell, Tasmania led to the evacuation of 80 residents yesterday with some staff and residenst treated for nausea. Read More

Carer accused of deliberately crashing car and killing two elderly siblings

Police believe the crash that killed two elderly siblings was no accident. Their carer has been charged with manslaughter and is expected in court this week. Read More

Second Aged Care Bill amended but industry still in the dark

The second of the Labor Government’s Bills to reform aged care passed the House of Representatives yesterday, despite ongoing questions from the industry about how the legislation will work. Read More
Advertisement