It’s no secret that inflation has impacted everything from groceries to utilities. Most people are finding it hard to believe the astronomical difference in the current cost of everything. However, none seem to be struggling more than a great-grandmother who froze to death because she was afraid of how high her energy bills would be.
Energy Bills Shouldn’t Be Life-Threatening
Barbara Bolton, an 87-year-old great-grandmother was discovered in her kitchen. Bolton was found in her home on Dawson Street, in Bury, England by her family. Then rushed to Fairfield Hospital after a family member had phoned but was unable to get through. As a result, the concerned gentleman sent his wife and son over to check on Barbara, who noted that her lights had been left on.
“They used the key to get into her house and found her in the kitchen unable to speak.” The family wrapped Barbara in quilts and waited for first responders to arrive. Dr Amir Ansari, a Consultant Physician at Fairfield Hospital, told the courts, “There was a note that the patient did not turn her heating on because of high energy bills. She would not put her heating on because she was worried, she would not be able to pay her bills.
Hospitalization Before Passing Away
It was reported that her body temperature had dropped from the normal 98.6 degrees to 82.4 degrees. Sadly, her family had assured her, she would not have to worry about increased energy bills. They had provided her with electric heaters. However, the “prideful” woman didn’t want to burden her family. Therefore, she avoided any increase in cost for her energy bills. According to her son, Mark, she “would never accept help or tell the family if she wasn’t feeling well.”
She spent some time in the hospital before her family felt that she should be moved to palliative care. Tragically, she died on the evening of 5 January. Dr Ansari added: “This is a very sad case because it was probably avoidable if she agreed to keep her heating on. The senior coroner for Manchester North, Joanne Kearsley stated, “She would not put her heating on, but she had been told by family members not to worry about that. Her family bought her some heaters and often when they spoke to her she would say she had them on.” It turns out that Barbara would use the heaters when her family would visit to give the illusion that she frequently used them. However, the rest of the time she feared how the usage would impact her energy bills.
Loved By Many
Mark explained of his mother that before this, she’d always been a “very healthy lady”. She often “played football with him” when he was young. Additionally, as a devoted Manchester City fan, the pair would often attend games together. Ms. Bolton was not only healthy but hardworking too. She was still working as a pharmacy assistant until age 82. Bolton having lived in the same home for decades was known by a few neighbors who were “shocked and saddened” to hear of her passing. One neighbor stated, “I hadn’t seen her in a few weeks. It’s so sad. She was a nice woman and lived here for years but more recently kept herself to herself.”
Save on Energy Bills
While it caused a spike in mental health issues, the Pandemic likely had a domino effect on every aspect of life. Costly energy bills, among other expenses, are becoming more prominent as we start to see the economic impact of the Pandemic. While learning to cut cost is a valuable life lesson, in Barbara’s case it could have been lifesaving. Although there are many costly aspects of life today that can’t be avoided or controlled, costly energy bills aren’t one of them. According to LiveScience and RealEstateNews, here are some ways in which your family can try to cut the cost of energy bills.
Tips
- Ensure your home is properly insulated, doing so will cut costly energy bills in both cold and hot months.
- Evaluate what uses the most energy in your home, research more efficient options, like replacing an old tv or fridge with one that is designed to be more energy efficient.
- Replace old light bulbs with new LED bulbs that have been designed to use less electricity.
- Watch your thermostat. Ensure that your thermostat is at an average temperature when you leave for work or to run errands. This way, you’re not heating or cooling an empty home.
- Consider the possibility of installing solar panels to help power your home.
- Unplug devices, rather than leaving them in sleep mode, when you’re not at home.
- If possible, switch the settings on washers and dryers to the “energy saving” or “energy preferred” mode.
- Seek professional guidance. Contact a company to service your HVAC, clean air ducts, or offer advice on things in your area that may help cut the cost of energy bills.
It’s not uncommon for parents and grandparents to concern themselves with burdening their families. However, most families would agree, elders aren’t a burden. Furthermore, most families are happy to care for elder members, because at one point the roles were reversed. The rising cost of energy bills, among other things, will certainly make the future more challenging for most people. Therefore, getting ahead in any way possible, even something as small as cutting a few dollars here and there can have a major and positive impact on the future of your family’s bank accounts.
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