It can be unpleasant and sometimes dangerous for seniors to feel chilly. Seniors are susceptible to both extreme heat and cold than younger adults. During the winter season, this puts them at high risk for catching hypothermia, a known serious fatal condition.
Seniors don’t have to be exposed to below-freezing temperatures that can determine developing hypothermia. A cold environment can cause a drastic drop in temperature of a senior’s body.
Keeping seniors safe and preventing them from getting hypothermia are major roles of home care services especially during the coldest days of winter.
Although there are many caregivers, you have to find the best one that can keep your loved one safe during cold weather. You may also look for some realistic ideas about how to keep seniors warm and safe at home.
1. Keep the house comfortably warm
The most important component in keeping the seniors warm is the indoor temperature of the house. It is vital that the house is adequately heated.
Most seniors may want to save money on their heating bill by lowering the thermostat, however, this is not a good idea. Hypothermia can be acquired at surprisingly high temperatures, and saving money won’t be worth it.
2. Block leaks or drafts from coming into the house
Having drafts can make your well-heated house feel chilly. To maintain the room temperature, look for any leaks around the house and by all means, block them.
Look for gaps under doors, cracks around windows, even mail slots. These are a common outlet of leaks. Install a door sweep or place a rolled-up towel against the door to prevent the draft and leak from coming in.
If you think that the windows are getting a leaking heat, install insulated drapes and keep them tightly closed during very cold weather.
3. Clothe seniors in warm clothes
Seniors love to feel perfectly snug. Have them wear layers of clothing to avoid shivers. Allow seniors to wear multiple layers of clothing every day.
For example, encourage them to wear thermal underwear made of wool or silk material for their everyday clothing, and a thick sweatshirt or thick sweater for them to bundle up on a cold weather. They can always take the layers off when they feel too warm. Have them wear…
