This year, we’ve experienced a warm and long summer, enjoyed by many. Is it however, noticeably cooler and before long we’ll be preparing for the winter impact.
For most of us, it’s a time to cosy down with family by the fire, but for elderly people living on their own, it can be a time of apprehension.
When we grow older, our bodies become less proficient at adapting to hot or cold weather. Not being able to adjust so efficiently can lead to health problems, sometimes serious, which is why it’s so important to take care of those who are more vulnerable during colder climates.
According to Age UK, one older person dies every seven minutes due to cold weather (1). Many think that this is predominantly due to pneumonia, but in fact, older people are more prone to heart attacks, strokes, worsening arthritis and other accidents that can happen at home due to it being difficult to maintain body temperature.
We depend so heavily on our muscles to keep our body temperature up in colder weather, but researchers at Age UK report that once you reach the age of 55, you lose around 1% of your muscle mass every year (1). For the elderly (65 years of age or older), that could be a huge detriment, especially for those that will depend on gas and electric heaters, but have low incomes.
Homecare workers, who provide care and support to the vulnerable in their own homes, are often the only visitor a service user has for an entire day.
When you’re visiting your service users during the winter, remember some of the following tips to ensure that they stay safe, warm and kept away from ill health.
By taking these simple steps, we can help to prevent illnesses, worry and further admissions to GPs and hospitals.
If you know anyone who would like to make a difference in your community by caring for the elderly, share this article or click here for more information.
Source: (1) Age UK, (2) Energy Saving Trust
Medacs Healthcare is proudly supporting the COVID-19 vaccination programme
Medacs Healthcare key supplier for CapitalNurse International Recruitment Programme
Medacs Healthcare is proudly supporting the COVID-19 vaccination programme
Working in Blackpool - An interview with agency nurse Brenda Ndebele