On behalf of the entire Advantage Home Health Solutions team, we would like to offer our deepest respect to all those who are and have been members of the Canadian Armed Forces. With Remembrance Day today, we are particularly mindful to pay tribute to those who have given their lives to protect our nation.
No one likes being cold. But for older adults, frigid temperatures can exacerbate or even bring on unwanted health concerns. Seniors tend to lose body heat quicker than their younger counterparts. This is especially true for those who battle with such conditions as diabetes or thyroid problems, alerts Companions For Seniors.
“Many seniors also take medication that can lead to dehydration, making it harder to stay warm,” their website also notes, “In other cases, older adults may be dealing with mobility loss or memory problems, which can make it harder to take action if they’re starting to feel uncomfortable.”
To prevent the cold from making your elderly loved one sick, you should…
Keep their extremities covered.
Even when we bundle up, there are parts of our bodies that are still exposed to the cold. Our faces, of course, can’t be covered completely. However, there’s no good excuse to leave your head and hands uncovered. Make sure toques and gloves (or mittens) are a must when venturing outdoors this winter. As Rhode Island Health and Fitness Magazine reminds us, any exposed areas of skin allow heat to escape from your body.
“You wouldn’t go outside with a coat, but wearing hats, scarves, and protective shoes are great ways to keep the heat in,” informs their website, “Gloves and mittens are also very important for seniors to stay warm, and if you don’t mind mittens may actually keep your hands warmer than gloves!”
Properly seal all windows and doors.
Even when we shut every window and door in our homes, there are still ways for cold air to seep its way through. Are they any cracks or even holes in and around the entrances to your home? Check the windows as well. As Companions For Seniors suggests, it’s wise to look for and eliminate any causes of drafts in your home.
“Make sure your loved one’s house isn’t losing heat through windows and doors,” instructs their website, “If you notice major cracks around windows and doors, it may be time to apply new caulk or weatherstripping. In other cases, it may help to keep the blinds and curtains closed to help trap heat in, or even roll a towel and place it at the bottom of the door to prevent drafts.”
Check the status of your home’s insulation.
Do some rooms feel colder than others? Are you finding that the home’s temperatures fluctuate from time to time? Have you noticed your energy bills increasing? If you’ve answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may have an insulation problem. Put getting an inspection on your immediate to-do list.
At Advantage Home Health Solutions, we’d love to do our part in keeping your elderly loved ones warm this winter. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any of your questions and concerns. Learn all about our accessibility and mobility solutions by giving us a call at 403-460-5438. You may also email us by filling out the form on our Contact page!
