Cost of living and Winter season advice

• The Flocare Infinity feeding pumps have a battery that should last for 24 hours when fully charged, and will take 4-6 hours to charge
  
• Make sure your pump is fully charged each day. It isn't necessary to have your pump plugged in all the time as this will cost more, but it is important - in case of power cuts - to make sure your pump is always ready to use.
  Remember... Charge, Use, Fully Charge, Unplug
• It's essential that you only use the charger that has been designed for use with the Flocare Infinity feeding pumps
• Make sure you have the right amount of enteral feeding supplies in case of severe weather conditions - contact your usual provider if you do not have a supply of buffer stock. 
• Please speak to your managing healthcare professional at your next review to find out if it would be safe for you to consider alternative feeding methods, in case there is a time when you are unable to use your feeding pump.

The Flocare Infinity feeding pumps use a very small amount of power - only 0.0076kwh (kilowatts per hour) to become fully charged, far less than normal household items, such as the examples below:

Energy suppliers provide additional support services to vulnerable, priority or special services customers who are critcially dependent on electrically powered devices for independent living or medical equipments. Also, if customers are particularly vulnerable to disconnection during winter months reasons of advanced age or physical, sensory, intellectual or mental health. 

To register for the vulneralable, prioritiy or special services please find your energy supplier below and fill out the required form or contact via email.

If you are worried about the rising costs or your ability to pay, it would be worth speaking to your energy supplier as soon as you can.

More detailed advice can be found on the Citizens Advice website.

During emergency situations your local council and community may be offering local support. They may offer you the chance to charge your feeding pump in locations such as village halls and community centres, if necessary.

Visit your local council website to find out more information.

We know people use portable power packs when travelling or camping and it might be something you already have. Make sure you do your research to find out what kind of equipment will suit your needs. 

Domestic portable power packs/batteries are available from various outlets. We hope you don’t need one but if you do decide to buy one please make sure they have the following specifications: 230V with AC output and accommodate a ROI type G plug. 

These need to be charged but not left on all the time as this will cost more.

During bad weather conditions support information is usually broadcast on local radio stations. A battery-operated radio can help you stay updated.

www.gov.ie for information about cost of living payments from the Government. Payments will be dependent on the type of benefits you receive.

Age Action is Ireland's leading advocacy organisation for older people and ageing.

Family Carer's Ireland  is a registered charity offering a range of support and services to Ireland's family carers.

HSE Home Support  aims to support older people to remain in their own homes for as long as possible and to support informal carers.