Cold Weather Can Be Hard on the Elderly: Tips for a Safe and Warm Winter

Senior Care in Zionsville, IN

Senior-Care-in-Zionsville-IN

Cold weather can pose safety and health risks for people of all ages, but even more so for the elderly. Seniors are more likely to be affected by cold weather-related illnesses and safety risks for a variety of reasons. Improper or inadequate heating sources, a decreased ability to regulate their internal body temperature and the shorter days of winter can all be contributing factors. Fortunately, you can do something about it. Here are some simple tips to help you prepare, prioritize, prevent and plan to ensure a safe and warm winter for your elderly loved one.

Prep Your Home

Creating a winter-ready home will reduce potential safety risks and keep out cold weather. Preparing the home for the cold winter weather ahead is not only prudent, but it can make all the difference in ensuring the safety of your loved one. But doing so must go beyond simply insulating windows and salting the front walk. Here are some things you can do to make your home winter-ready.

  • Insulate your attic and water pipes
  • Seal windows and doors
  • Service your furnace
  • Check smoke alarms
  • Install battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors
  • Clean and inspect fireplaces and chimneys

Prioritize Health Over Savings

Keeping down heating costs should never be prioritized over what is best for your health. The truth is, as you get older, your body’s natural ability to regulate its internal temperature greatly decreases. A poorly heated house can put seniors at greater risk for hypothermia— a medical emergency that occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce it. Some warning signs of hypothermia in seniors include confusion, memory loss, shivering, slurred speech, drowsiness and exhaustion. You should seek medical attention immediately if you witness any of these signs. Check your home’s thermostat often and never set it below 65 degrees. If relying on portable space heaters, always use caution and keep them at least 3 feet away from everything.

Prevent SADness

The gloomy winter days can create a sense of depression in the elderly. These “winter blues” are also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, and can be devastating to the person affected. Increasing your loved one’s metabolism with exercise can help to counteract these sad feelings. Exercise does not have to be too strenuous. Even simple stretching may help.

Plan for an Emergency

There is no such thing as being over-prepared when it comes to a winter emergency. Having a winter emergency kit on hand when needed during harsh winter weather. Your kit should include:

  • Nonperishable food
  • Bottled water
  • Medication
  • Blanket
  • Flashlights
  • First-aid kit
  • Batter-powered radio
  • Extra batteries
  • Electric space heater
  • Backup Battery for medical devices (i.e. oxygen tanks and mobility devices)
  • Cell phone and backup cell phone battery

Sources:

Mayoclinic.org

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “Extreme Cold: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety”

The professionals at Great Care are available to talk with you and your family about all of your home care needs. Great Care is a non medical in-home care agency providing quality and affordable senior care in Zionsville, IN and the surrounding areas. Call (317) 595-9933 for more information.

About Julie Sullivan

Julie Sullivan is the Owner at GreatCare of Indianapolis IN.
GreatCare is a licensed, personal services agency, providing in-home care services to the Indianapolis, Indiana and surrounding areas. We serve the personal health and daily care needs of seniors or individuals who prefer to stay at home, but require assistance with everyday activities, such as dressing, personal hygiene, meal preparation, laundry or errands. Our team of certified nurse aids and home health aids can provide you with personalized, in-home care services to meet your needs, including:
Daytime hourly in-home care
Temporary or post-hospital respite care
24-hour, around-the-clock home care
Morning and evening care
Overnight / Slumber care
In addition, we offer our Care Compass service, to assist in setting the course for the next stage in your loved ones life. We guide you through the currents of aging, and help you find your true north. Our licensed nurses, with experience in hospice and geriatric care, will help guide you through the complex and often sensitive journey of selecting an in-home care service, and will provide a smooth transition to a new way of life for your loved one, without the anxiety and fear.

Our current nursing and management team has more than 75 years of combined experience in the home healthcare services industry. All of our caregivers are bonded, insured and screened thoroughly, so you know you’ll be receiving the greatest care possible. That’s why we stand by our mission: to deliver the same, quality care we expect for ourselves and our loved ones.
Google