Find out how to keep warm and well during the winter months which can be challenging in later life.
Unfortunately, the media is always full of scary statistics about how the elderly cope in winter. One older person dies every seven minutes in winter, flu epidemic proves lethal for the older population, elderly winter health places pressure on a&e – the list is endless and rather scary.
However, it is important to remember that although there are lots of risks to the elderly in winter, there are plenty of ways to ensure your loved one stays warm and stays well through the colder months. With the right support, older people can not only survive the winter, but thrive through the winter and into next year. Here are our top winter tips and advice for the elderly:
Staying On Top Of Medication
Medication and medical help is very important when it comes to elderly winter health. The flu jab for example, is really important and is free for over 65’s. The flu can be lethal for the vulnerable so one injection to help protect against it really is important.
The pharmacy can also help when you start to get cough or cold symptoms, stopping it getting any worse. Any regular medication you have should also be kept on top of, with repeat prescriptions picked up on time to avoid running out of medications when the weather causes you to have to stay at home.
Warmth Matters
Staying warm both in and out of the home is really important because hypothermia is a massive risk when you are older. Layering up when you go out and checking the weather reports to ensure it won’t be too cold is important, as well as having lots of ways to stay warm at home with blankets, hot water bottles and at least one room you have heated.
Avoid Slips And Falls
Slips and falls can be really dangerous when you are older as you may suffer breaks or dislocations easier. This can lead to a long recovery, which can affect future health. Do use all your mobility aids and do wear sturdy footwear. Keep to gritted paths and areas where the ice is not going to cause you hidden risks. In the home, place a grip mat by the front door so melted ice and snow from your shoes doesn’t make a puddle you could later slip on.
Stay Healthy
Your nutrition and physical health are so important as you age, and especially in winter when you need your strength. Speak to your GP about nutrition and get tests for deficiencies if you need to. Go to exercise classes to suit your abilities, whether that is an older person’s swim group, or a sit down exercise class run by your local surgery. Staying healthy is an investment in winter, and all year round.
Seek Help If You Need It
Please don’t be afraid to seek help if you need it. Your friends, family and neighbours will help you if you need help, especially in winter when the whole community is more aware of the vulnerable and helping them. Your GP and pharmacist can help get you the medical care and support you need.
It may be that you require more dedicated help in the home, in which case home care could be something to consider. Home care is where a trained carer comes to your home and provides you with a care plan, including help with personal care, cooking, cleaning, mobility, physiotherapy and getting out and about. Their aim is to keep you as independent as possible in winter and all year round. You can find out more information about home care at the Live-in Care Hub.
Please do also watch this video by Age UK about keeping well this winter, for additional tips and information to help you stay warm and well in the colder months.
