Warming Up to Winter Keeping Seniors Safe From Cold

Because skin and blood vessels change with age, older adults face dangers of hypothermia — even indoors. Here are tips for caregivers to help elders stay warm this winter:

• Keep the home properly heated at a temperature of 68 F to 70 F.
• Winterize windows and doors with weather stripping and caulk.
• Dress the senior in warm layers that can be removed if he or she gets too hot.
• Make sure the senior wears a hat, scarf and gloves when going outside.
• Have the senior change out of damp or wet clothes right away.
• Help the senior practice sound nutrition to fuel the body’s heat and energy sources.
• Encourage the senior to avoid alcohol consumption, which can trigger heat loss.
• Learn the temperature-lowering effect of specific medications and over-the-counter drugs.
• Devise an evacuation plan in case of a power outage or the furnace/heat source breaks down.

For information about cold weather safety for older adults, contact Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116 (toll-free) or https://eldercare.acl.gov, or the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging at 202-872-0888, info@n4a.org or www.n4a.org.

Right at Home of Central New Jersey 732-967-0900 is a leading provider of in-home care and assistance for seniors and adults with disabilities.