A charity say they are dealing with cases of pensioners 'stuck in bed due to the cold' every day after the tragic case of a great-grandma from Greater Manchester who died after contracting hypothermia.
However, they say no one should risk their health due to worries over making ends meet and say there is financial help available.
Barbara Bolton, 87, was found “slumped” in her ‘freezing cold’ kitchen by a family member at her home in Bury on December 11 last year. She was rushed to Fairfield Hospital with a body temperature of just 28 degrees.
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She died on January 11 this year with her cause of death recorded as recurrent pneumonia, due to hypothermia.
An inquest into her death that 'proud' Ms Bolton had refused to put her heating on due to 'fears of high energy bills.' She had been told by her family not to worry about the rising cost of energy bills, and had provided her with heaters to warm her home it was heard.
However, coroner Joanne Kearsley said she had 'become fixated and worried about putting her heating on no matter what anyone was saying to her.' She said the 'only reason she developed hypothermia was because she had taken the decision not to put her heating on' as she recorded a conclusion of misadventure.
Dr Amir Ansari, a Consultant Physician at Fairfield Hospital said: "“This is a very sad case because it was probably avoidable if she agreed to keep her heating on."
Following the hearing at Rochdale Coroner's Court, a leading old-age charity have spoken out and said although it is an extreme one, Ms Bolton's case was far from an isolated one.
John Palmer, Director of Policy and Communications for Independent Age said: “We’re extremely distressed to hear the findings of the inquest into Barbara Bolton’s death. No one should risk their health because they’re worried about making ends meet.
"While Barbara’s case is sadly one of the most extreme, we speak to older people every day who are stuck in bed because of the cold and unable to turn the heating on despite needing it for long term health conditions."
Hhe said the organisation wanted to reassure older people that help is available for anyone worried about their bills and highlighted Pension Credit, which often goes unclaimed, as a way of people boosting their income.
“For anyone worried about how they will heat their homes, we want people to know that help is out there", Mr Palmer continued.
"Older people or their family and friends can get in touch with Independent Age’s free helpline for impartial advice on what financial entitlements they could receive and you can find our Moneywise guide on our website, for advice on increasing your income and saving money.
“One important way older people can drive up their income is by receiving Pension Credit if they are eligible. We know that up to 850,000 older households are currently not receiving the state pension top-up for those on a low income. On average, single people receive an extra £61 a week, and couples receive £85 a week.
"These are life-changing amounts of money, and too often, it is sitting there unclaimed. Call our helpline on 0800 319 6789 for advice and support with your finances if you’re worried.”
Ms Bolton's death prompted an outcry from doctors, paramedics, charity experts and a Greater Manchester MP when the first details emerged following the opening of an inquest in January. They all said they sadly expected more people to die because of a lack of heating
Another charity, Age UK said they were 'gutted' about to hear of the case. Andrew Hazeldine, chief officer for the charity's Bury branch said: ""We’re hearing lots of stories of people who are having to choose between heating or food or paying for energy or paying for care," he said.
"People are having to make cutbacks that are detrimental to their health. If you're not having sufficient food, you're at risk of malnutrition. If you're not keeping warm, you're at risk of hypothermia. This is also having a knock-on effect on the NHS as people are going into hospital with things that are preventable."
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