Stourbridge News
Shock figures show hundreds die when temperatures tumble
12:00pm Thursday 9th February 2012
SHOCKING figures from Dudley Council show hundreds of borough pensioners are dying needlessly in their homes during cold weather.
Around 250 people across the borough each year as a result of plummeting temperatures, with 80 per cent of those deaths affecting the over 75 age group.
Dudley's statistics are slightly above the national average and the gap is widening.
As icy conditions continue to grip the Black Country elderly people are turning to charities for respite from their daily battle to keep warm.
Dionne Legge, Stourbridge and Halesowen Age Concern's chief officer, said: "When it's this cold we do see an increase in visits to our day centre, it is always the elderly that come off worse.
"Some people are alone, they don't have any family support or their family lives a long way away. We operate seven days a week for those who don't have any family."
According to Age UK every one per cent drop in average temperature causes approximately 8,000 extra deaths in England.
Michelle Mitchell, charity director general at Age UK, said: “Low temperatures raise blood pressure which puts people at a greater risk of heart attacks and strokes as well as increasing the likelihood and severity of flu and other respiratory problems.
“During this period of cold weather, we would urge people to check on their older relatives or neighbours to ensure they are warm and have plenty of food."
Forecasters are predicting sub-zero temperatures will continue into next week and pensioners are being urged to make sure they keep warm.
Cllr David Vickers, Dudley cabinet member for adult social care, said: "Sometimes it is hard to get through to the elderly what they need to do. They may be reluctant to turn up the fire because of the cost - but they need to be sitting in front of a warm fire. There is help available."
Dudley Council has secured government money for a winter warmth fund to support pensioners during the icy blast.
The fund will be managed in partnership with NHS Dudley, Age UK, and Dudley Council for Voluntary Services (DCVS) to provide support, advice and information for vulnerable people.
Emergency items including portable heaters, blankets, flasks and warm clothing are available and cold weather food parcels will be issued to people finding it difficult to get out during wintry weather.
The fund is also helping to arrange for volunteers to visit people at risk of becoming isolated during the cold snap to help with transport, shopping trips, collecting prescriptions or dog walking.
Cllr Vickers said: "I urge anyone concerned about keeping warm at home or worried about a relative, friend or neighbour, to call the winter warmth support helpline on 01384 815117”