Make Sure Your Senior Loved One is Keeping Warm this Winter

As we age, it is important to stay warm and to dress appropriately during the colder months.  The National Institute on Aging (NIA) explains that, “Older adults can lose body heat fast—faster than when they were young.”  They also add an illness or taking certain medications and medical conditions may make it even more difficult for the elderly to keep warm.  Also to try and stay warm, seniors have to burn more calories, which can result in weight loss.    

Making sure an elderly person is warm enough is imperative as they are more susceptible to hypothermia.  In fact, many times the person is not even aware they are experiencing symptoms of the condition.  Early signs of hypothermia include cold feet and hands, puffy or swollen face, pale skin, and shivering in some cases.  The person may also be acting sleeping, angry or confused. 

The NIA recommends if you have to go out in cold weather to wear loose layers of clothing as the air between the layers will help to keep you warm.  In addition, be sure to wear a hat and a scarf as we lose lots of body heat through our head and neck area.  If it is snowy or a cold rain, wear a waterproof coat or jacket, and if you do get damp, change your clothes as soon as you get home.    

At home, the NIA advises seniors to not try and save money by turning down the thermostat.  They say you should keep the temperature at least 68 to 70 degrees and save money by shutting off unused rooms, keeping the blinds drawn, and placing towels in front of drafty doors and windows.  Wear plenty of clothes including socks and slippers and use a throw over your legs or shoulders if you are still cold.  When you go to bed, wear long underwear under your pajamas, and if you are still cold, wear a knit cap.  Another way to generate more body heat is to routinely exercise.  This will also help to increase your appetite.

Caring for the many needs of our special seniors is what MorningStar at Bear Creek does best.  Please visit our website for more information about our exceptional assisted living for dementia patients.

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. We are dedicated to creating a true home within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the best assisted living for dementia patients in Colorado Springs.

Source: nia.nih.gov/health/cold-weather-safety-older-adults