Ensuring your elderly loved ones are safe when the temperature drops.

Fuel poverty in the UK is getting worse, and the elderly population are the most at threat. 1 member of the elderly population dies every 7 minutes during the winter months. People generally think that this is due to hyperthermia in the cold, but the cold weather can exacerbate other ailments such as heart attacks and strokes. As we get older our bodies muscle mess declines, and from the ages of 55 we lose 1% of our muscle mass each year.

In the UK, the over 60’s make up 1/3 of those affected by fuel poverty, meaning that they struggle to keep their house warm, and live below the poverty line. Cold homes also lead to higher levels of anxiety and depression, due to fear of illness due to being cold, having to spend all day in bed, or only in one room due to cost. You should urge your loved ones to keep the living room at 21 degrees and the bedroom at 18 degrees, and don’t have the bedroom window open at night.

So, how can you prevent this and help your loved one to remain safe and happy as the cold weather approaches?

Seasonal flu jab

Not only is the flu unpleasant to have in the first place, but a string of serious illnesses can arise from it such as Bronchitis and pneumonia (in the worst cases). You can get a free flu job from the age of 65, so contact your GP or pharmacist for more information.

Stock up on cough and cold remedies

This may seem obvious, be general medication that you can buy from the pharmacist can be really helpful at combatting common illnesses in the colder months and help you to get better quicker.

Keep moving

Staying active will keep you fit and healthy, as well as ensuring warmth when you need it the most. If it’s not too cold, you should take a walk in the middle of the day, spread your chores throughout the day or even make a hot drink regularly to keep you on your feet as much as is possible for you. Chair based exercises are also helpful if this isn’t a possibility.

Preventing falls

Falls are more likely in the winter months, especially in bad weather. Falls can lead to injury, or even just a loss of confidence to leave the house, or to move around at all. Clearing walkways in the house is a good place to start. Grip rails are also useful for extra support on starts or when using the toilet. It may be a small change, but the impact that this could have on someone’s independence is definitely worth it. Ensuring good lighting in the home will also help prevent falls and is an easy fix!

Regular visitors

Regular visits from homecarers or from loved ones are helpful in ensuring that our elderly loved ones are having people checking in on them, to ensure they are well, and that the person is safe. This is also helpful in ensuring a person is keeping up their social interaction as this can help to ensure stable mental health.

Check out Age UK for further information and advice on staying well and ensuring your loved ones are happy and comfortable in the cold weather. If you think your loved one may need homecare, contact us at Kare Plus Redbridge.