As the weather turns colder, it’s important to remember that weather changes affect the elderly. Every year, hypothermia kills about 600 Americans, half of whom are 65 and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Below are tips for family caregivers during the winter months.

1. Dress loved ones in warmer layers. Especially if your home is prone to be drafty. Dress warmly even when inside–especially when inactive (sitting); the inability to move easily or think clearly may be symptoms of exposure (hypothermia).

2. Place an easy-to-read thermometer in an indoor location where you will see it frequently, and check the temperature of your home often during the winter months. According to the National Institutes of Health you should set your thermostat to at least 68 to 70 degrees. Even mildly cool homes with temperatures from 60 to 65 degrees can trigger hypothermia in the elderly.

3. Place bells or a door alarm on all doors leading outside can help alert you when your loved one may be leaving the house. There is the additional risk to a caregiver recipient with chances of them getting out of the door unobserved, especially when there is an increase in activity. Once out the door the dangers to your loved one increase.

4. If possible, keep your loved one’s room a degree or two warmer than the rest of the house.

5. Keep sidewalks and driveways clear for elderly living alone, to prevent falls that make it difficult for loved ones to get inside during cold weather months.

More Resources:
Extreme Cold: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety
Extreme Cold and the Elderly
BBC News HEALTH - Cold homes ‘killing elderly’

More Resources from AGIS.com:
Home Safety and Security Checklist
Hypothermia: A Cold Weather Hazard
Staying safe in cold weather!

Filed under: Elder Issues, Health & Safety