Tuesday, 03 November 2020

Cold weather approaching? Tips for the elderly.

This article not only applies to the elderly in general, but for people living with dementia, this advice is particularly relevant.

Most people feel cold every now and then in the winter months and being cold can make you very sick.

Elderly people can lose body heat faster than they did when they were young, even though they may not be aware of it. A big chill can become a serious problem before you know what is happening. The medical term for this condition is hypothermia.

WHAT IS HYPOTHERMIA?

Hypothermia is what happens when your body temperature gets very low. For an elderly person, a body temperature of 35º C or lower can cause many health problems, such as a heart attack, kidney problems, liver damage or worse.

Being outside in the cold or in a very cold house can result in hypothermia. Try to stay away from cold places and pay attention to the weather wherever you are. You can reduce the risk of getting hypothermia.

KEEP WARM INSIDE

Living in a cold house, flat, shack or other building can cause hypothermia. It can happen to anyone in a residential care facility or similar places if the rooms are not kept at an ambient temperature.

If someone you know is living in such a place, pay particular attention to the room temperature and whether the person is dressed warmly enough. People who are already sick may have difficulties keeping warm. Even if your body temperature is between 15 ºC and 18 ºC, your home may not be warm enough to keep you healthy, especially if you live alone. There is no one else to feel the cold or notice if you are having symptoms of hypothermia.

Here are some tips for keeping warm while you are inside:

• Set your heat (if you have a setting) to at least 16 – 20 º C. To save on electricity costs, shut the doors of all rooms you are not using, close all the windows and place a rolled towel in front of all doors to keep out draft out.

• Make sure you are not losing heat through your windows. Keep your blinds and curtains closed. If there any gaps, try using weather or a filling to keep the cold air out.

• Dress warmly on cold days, even if you remain in the house. Use a blanket, wear socks and slippers.

• When you go to bed, wear long underwear if you can under your sleepwear and put extra covers on the bed. Wear a cap or woollen hat.

• Make sure you eat enough to keep up your weight. If you eat too little you might have less fat under your skin. Body fat helps you to keep warm.

• Drink alcohol moderately or not at all. Alcohol can make you lose body heat.

• Ask friends or family to check on you in cold weather. Should you rely on electrical heating, if there is a long outage try to stay with a relative or friend.

Be aware that heaters can cause fire hazards and may cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Reduce hazards as far as possible for example: Is the cord damaged? Is the heater dented or cracked? If you use gas, check for any leaks or loose connections.

BUNDLING UP

A heavy wind can quickly lower your body temperature. Check the weather forecast for windy and cold days. On such days, try to stay inside or in a warm place. If you have to go out, wear warm clothes, and do not stay out in the cold and wind for a long time.

Here are some other tips: • Dress for the weather if you have to go out on chilly or damp days. • Wear loose layers of clothing. The air between the layers helps to keep you warm. • Put on a hat and scarf. You lose a lot of body heat when your head and neck are uncovered. • Where a waterproof coat or jacket if it rains. • Change your clothes as soon as possible if they get damp or wet.

ILLNESS, MEDICINES AND COLD WEATHER

Some illnesses may make it harder for your body to stay warm. • Thyroid problems can make it hard to maintain a normal body temperature. • Diabetes can keep blood from flowing normally to provide warmth.

Parkinson’s disease and arthritis can make it hard to put on enough clothes. So use a blanket, or get out of the cold.

Memory loss can cause a person to go outside without the right clothing.

Talk to your doctor about your health and how to prevent hypothermia.

Taking some medicines and not being active can also affect body heat. These include medicines prescribed by your doctor and those you buy from a shop without a prescription, such as cold and cough medicines. Ask a doctor if the medicines you take may affect body heat and what the unwanted effects may be.

Here are some cold weather related topics to talk to your doctor about: • Ask your doctor about signs of hypothermia. • Discuss any health problems and medicines that can make hypothermia a problem for you. Your doctor can help you to prevent hypothermia.

WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS OF HYPOTHERMIA?

Sometimes it is hard to tell if someone is suffering from hypothermia. Look for clues. Is the house very cold? Is the person not dressed for the cold? Is the person speaking slower than normal and having trouble keeping is her or her balance?

Watch for the signs of hypothermia in yourself ,too. You might get confused if your body temperature drops too low. Talk to your family about the warning signs so they can look out for you.

Early signs: • Cold feet and hands • Puffy or swollen face • Changes in complexion • Shivering (but in some case a person with hypothermia does not shiver) • Slower than normal speech and slurring • Sleepiness • Being angry or confused

Later signs of hypothermia: • Moving slowly, trouble walking or being clumsy • Stiff and jerky arm movements • Slow heartbeat • Slow, shallow breathing • Blacking out or losing consciousness.

adapted from the Dementiasa.org website

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