How to take care of elderly people in winters

In the cold winter months, everyone, including the elderly are at excessive health risk. This is because the cold weather presents specific challenges that are exaggerated for the older adults. The cold weather brings with it certain health risks, and injuries related to the weather that can be challenging to deal with.

This winter season stay prepared to deal with these challenges, and read on to find how you can keep the elderly in your homes safer:

Hypothermia

Older adults run the risk of getting cold very quickly. This is because their body surface area tends to lose heat faster—faster than when they were young. Doctors argue that age-related changes in the body make it harder for the individual to register the cold. Moreover, people with heart disease tend to get cold quicker. Thus, even a chill can turn into a big problem for an older adult, even before it registers with them that something is wrong.

Hypothermia is when the temperature of the body drops very low. For older individuals, temperatures even 2 degrees below normal—95-degree Fahrenheit, can increase the risk of major illnesses like heart attack, liver damage, kidney problems or even worse.

Hypothermia in the elderly happens when they remain outside in the cold for long or when the house, they live in is very cold. The warning signs of hypothermia include: pale or ashy skin, confusion, feeling tired or lethargic, slowed heart rate, slowed breathing, trouble with walking, feeling weak, and feeling sleepy. However, shivering is not a sign of hypothermia for the elderly, as they tend to shiver less when their body temperature drops.

How to avoid hypothermia: to avoid hypothermia, it is important that the elderly stay indoors and don’t stay outside for very long especially during very cold weather. Hypothermia can happen to someone in a nursing home or their own house if the rooms are not kept warm enough. Moreover, certain people cannot keep warm due to a chronic disease—like hypothyroidism. Therefore, the indoor temperature should be about 65-degree Fahrenheit or warmer. Ensure that the house isn’t cold because of heat loss through the windows. Keep the blinds and curtains closed, and close the gaps between the windows.

It is also important to dress warm, even no warmer days, and layer up with 2 to 3 layers of warm clothing, rather than wearing a single thick layer of clothing. Essential winter wear like hats, scarves and gloves should also be worn to mitigate body heat loss. Inside the house, use a blanket over the legs, and wear warm socks. While going to sleep, it is a good idea to use extra covers.

Most older adults do not keep their weight in the optimal range, and therefore have less body fat. Fat under the skin helps to keep the body warm, but if an older adult is not eating enough, he may have difficulty keeping warm.

Lastly, gas heater should be used with extreme caution in a house with older adults and around children. They are not only a fire hazard but can also be a source of carbon monoxide poisoning. Therefore, it’s better to use electric heaters if you have older adults in the house.    

Injures during the season

Falls during the winter season are common; either due to socks or slippery floors. Before you step out of the house, ensure that the sidewalks are clear, and the pavements are not wet. For safety, boots should be worn with non-skid soles that can help prevent a fall on slippery flooring. For older adults using canes, the rubber tips should be replaced before taking them outside.     

Keep the elderly active

Winters can be a lonesome time for the older adults. It is important to keep them active with light and safe exercises at home. A get together with their fellows, once in a while, can also help with loneliness. Books and movies are another way for the older individuals to keep busy and keep winter blues at bay.

Keep an eye on nutrition of older adults

During the winters, the diet of the older adults should be monitored. Most adults stop eating much during the winter and their weight drops, which can be bad for their health. Thus, a balanced diet should be taken, and vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables should be incorporated into the diet. If you are not sure about what diet to take or leave, consult with a nutritionist to seek their help. Many people face a lack of vitamin D and micronutrients during the winter, thus increasing their risk of catching cold and disease.

Maintain safe heating

As mentioned before, gas heaters pose a lot of risk. Thus, for winter time, safe and stable heating appliances are important to maintain. Fireplaces, furnaces and heaters should be in good working condition before they are used. Moreover, annual cleaning, venting and inspection of gas appliances, and fireplaces should be done before winter season to reduce the risk of gas leakage and carbon monoxide poisoning.

This season keep yourself and your loved ones safe from the hazards of the cold by applying the tips we shared above.