How Often Should You Check In on Elderly Relatives During the Winter?
Winter tends to impact seniors more than young people. According to research, people over 65 years have a high risk of being hospitalized due to cold-related illnesses. This is because their immune system tends to be suppressed in cold seasons, increasing the risk of contracting the flu or contributing to breathing problems or cases of hypothermia.
During winter, it's recommended to check in on elderly relatives often–--ideally twice a month if they have a live-in caretaker or weekly if they live alone with a day caretaker. Here are tips to help you care for your elderly loved ones to ensure they are safe and healthy this winter.
1. Check the Thermostat
Senior adults have a decreased sensitivity to temperature, meaning they may not notice when it becomes chilly. According to the National Institute on Aging, it's recommended to have the thermostat at 68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit for homes occupied by seniors.
It's crucial to constantly check the thermostat, especially for senior relatives who experience memory lapse or other conditions like dementia, to keep them safe and warm through the night. See if you can set their thermostat to automatically resume to the normal temperature after being tampered with.
2. Ensure Their House is Safe
Safety at home is paramount, especially for seniors who may be prone to slips and falls due to decreased mobility. Keep your loved ones safe this winter by making sure they can get in and out of the house without any safety risks. For example, when it's icy or wet, it's easy to slip and fall, causing severe injuries.
Avoid such accidents by cleaning the pathways and driveways by salting or shoveling the slopes or stairs and checking for potential leaks from water faucets.
3. Monitor Their Health
As we age, we're more susceptible to illnesses as our immune system becomes weaker. Regularly checking up on seniors who live alone or with a fellow senior can help detect any signs of illnesses or conditions that may require urgent medical attention.
4. Make Sure They're Eating Healthy and Are Hydrated
Dehydration is a cause for concern among the elderly, and during winter, the risk of dehydration increases as the air gets drier. Keep your senior loved ones hydrated by making sure there's enough drinking water at the house and that they're taking other healthy fluids, such as soups.
Nutrition for the elderly is a crucial part of staying healthy. Make sure their pantry or fridge is stocked with fruits, vegetables, cereals, and dairy products rich in vitamin D. Seniors who are dehydrated and not eating well are at a greater risk of becoming sick and staying sick for longer.
5. Hire a Caregiver
For seniors who require routine or extensive care and support, it's important not to let them stay alone at any given time. Loneliness and feelings of isolation are known to have adverse physiological effects on people of all ages and more so on seniors.
Hiring a caregiver offers seniors companionship, positively impacting their overall well-being and happiness. In addition, professional caregivers have the knowledge and experience to best cater to the needs of seniors with compassion and love.
Receive Professional Home Care Services
Senior Helpers of the Metro East offers various services, including sitter services, surgery assistance, chronic disease care, end-of-life support care, companion care, and employment opportunities.
Contact us today to find care services for your loved ones from any of the areas we serve, including Caseyville, Collinsville, Columbia, Dupo, East Carondelet, Fults, O Fallon, Prairie Du Rocher, Troy, Valmeyer, Maryville, National Stock Yards, Roxana, South Roxana, Venice, Wood River, East Saint Louis, Fairview Heights, Belleville, Alton, Bethalto, Cottage Hills, East Alton, Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Granite City, Hartford, Lovejoy, and Madison.