Winter risks to be aware of and our top tips to keeping your elderly loved ones safe during this time of year.
As the days get shorter and cold weather approaches, it's important to how the winter months can can effect the physical and mental well-being of your elderly loved ones.
Wintertime brings many health risks and complications for older adults in the UK due to the cold weather and low temperatures. Fortunately, there are some precautions you can take to mitigate these risks and make sure your loved ones are safe and happy this winter.
Cold weather health risks
One of the biggest problems faced by many older adults, especially those living on their own, is not staying warm enough at home. When temperatures fall below 8C, older adults can have an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, flu, pneumonia, and in severe cases of low temperatures – hypothermia.
What is hypothermia?
Older adults can quickly lose body heat and aren’t always aware of their temperature, making it easy for them to become too cold too quickly. A body temperature below 35C (the normal temperature is 37C) can cause hypothermia. Hypothermia is particularly dangerous for older adults, especially those living alone, as there’s not someone around to notice the early signs.
Early signs of hypothermia:
Cold hands and feet
Puffy or swollen face
Pale skin
Slow or slurred speech
Lethargic
Anger or confusion
Later signs of hypothermia:
Slow or jerky movements, including trouble walking and clumsiness
Slow heartbeat
Slow, shallow breathing
Loss of consciousness
If you notice signs of hypothermia, call 999 and seek immediate medical attention.
Preventing hypothermia and other cold weather health risks
Most cold weather health risks, including hypothermia, can be avoided by staying warm. Winter can be financially difficult for pensioners, and they might be tempted to turn the heat down to save money. Keeping home temperatures between 15C and 18C might not be warm enough to avoid health risks.
If you live nearby, it might be a good idea to pop round to make sure their heating is in working order, and they know how to turn up the heat. If you don’t live nearby, you can hire a carer to come into the home, even just for a regular cup of tea, and they’ll keep an eye on the temperature to ensure it doesn’t get too cold.
Government heating support
The UK government also provides financial support to help cover heating costs. Anyone born on or before 5 November 1953 could qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment and receive £150 to £300 towards heating bills. Most eligible people will automatically receive the payment, but you may need to make a claim. When temperatures fall below zero for seven consecutive days, they might also qualify for a Cold Weather Payment in freezing weather.
You can find more information about heating and housing benefits on the government website.
Caring for older adults’ mental health
In addition to physical health risks, older people are more likely to suffer from loneliness or depression during the winter months. When the weather is grim, it’s easy for them to become isolated and avoid going out.
You can encourage them to stay active by going for short walks or doing winter gardening. Or, if you live nearby, you can go out for lunch or to the shops with them. You can also hire companions to accompany them to the shops, community centre, or while walking the dog. Getting out and about will also help older people maintain circulation and stay fit.
Age UK offers a befriending service to help reduce loneliness and isolation, or you can hire regular companionship or care through Care Sourcer.
Winter safety for seniors: check the car
If your relative still drives their car, have the car serviced before the snow falls. Driving in winter often means driving in poor conditions or, at best, poor lighting. Bringing the vehicle for a check-up can ensure it’s in good working order and will be safe to drive this winter.
Talk to your loved one and ensure they’re still confident driving in wintry conditions. It may help to provide alternative forms of transport like helping them to secure a free travel pass, giving them money for a taxi or offering to drive them.
Checklist: winter weather tips for seniors
Whether you live near or far, there are some cold weather precautions you can take to promote the positive well-being of your loved ones this winter.
Staying warm and healthy
Keep temperatures above 21C in living rooms and above 18C in bedrooms
Ensure they eat warming, nutritious meals
Make sure they have enough blankets and warm clothing
Pop round or hire a carer to check on temperatures
Register for heating benefits
Cold weather safety for seniors
Make sure they wear sturdy footwear to prevent slips and falls
Spread grit on pathways and driveways to stop slippery surfaces
Check the car to ensure it’s in good working order
Install handrails for steps and other problematic outdoor areas
Good winter mental health
Spend time together either on the phone or in person
Encourage them to get out in the community and meet new people
Help them stay active with low-impact activities like walking or swimming
Home care for the elderly in their own homes
Some worry home care will restrict their loved one’s independence and freedom. However, home care packages can be tailored to suit your family’s needs, however big or small. It can be as simple as someone visiting your Mum to check on the heating or to have a blether over a cup of tea.
Whether you’re looking for someone to do the shopping during bad weather, prepare warming meals or provide personal services, Care Sourcer can help connect you with the right care agencies.