Winter weather can mean dangerous conditions for older people, both inside and outside the home, so this infographic by Homecare Together offers helpful tips on how to keep sufficiently warm and keep the heat inside. Afterwards is a text transcript for people who use screen readers.
In addition to helping seniors stay warm, keep an eye out for symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. SAD is a type of depression that occurs during winter when there’s less natural sunlight, and keeping curtains drawn to keep in the warmth can amplify the effect. It’s often treated with light therapy using products offered by Intelligent Sleep.
Keeping Warm in Winter (transcript)
A HELPFUL GUIDE FOR OLDER PEOPLE
Winter weather can mean dangerous conditions for older people, bot inside and outside the home.
KEEP YOUR HOME AT THE RIGHT TEMPERATURE
When indoors, keep the living room temperature between 18-21C (65-70F) and other rooms at a minimum of 16C (61F).
DRESS FOR THE WEATHER
Wearing several layers of clothing is usually more effective than one thick layer. Also, make sure to keep your feet fully protected by wearing thick socks and waterproof footwear (if you’re venturing outside).
It’s important to keep moving as much as possible – don’t stay sitting in the one spot for long periods. Avoid going outside if conditions are dangerous, such as if there is ice, frost or snow. Instead, consider doing any exercise indoors.
CLOSE BEDROOM WINDOWS
During the cold weather, bedroom windows should stay closed. You can become more susceptible to the common cold if you sleep in a cold bedroom.
Eat a healthy diet and have at least one hot meal a day. Also, it is a good idea to keep a flask of hot drink by the bed, if you wake up cold.
STAY IN TOUCH WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Keep in contact with family and friends and arrange to have someone check on you if they haven’t heard from you in a given time frame.
6 LOW COST WAYS TO KEEP THE HEAT IN
- Seal any gaps around windows and doors with draft excluder strips.
- If you have an open fireplace which is unused, install a chimney balloon.
- Avoid placing furniture or anything else in front of radiators.
- Insulate wall cavities and hot water cylinder and pipes.
- Draw curtains at dusk to help keep the heat generated inside the rooms.
- When having a shower, leave the door open and let the heat and steam travel into adjoining room. The same goes for cooking.
From Homecare Together (www.homecaretogether.ie)