The weather outside is going to be really bad soon, especially for older people. Winter is starting in December in India, and it might be tough for seniors because of the extreme cold and windy conditions. Older folks are more likely to fall, and their immune system is not as strong, making them more prone to pneumonia and the flu.
If you’re an older person or taking care of someone older , here are some tips to help you or your loved one stay safe and healthy during the winter:
Keep Them Checked:
If they are facing an illness, then consider taking them to the doctor. However, if they can’t move for some reason, then contact a caregivers and ask for an at-home nursing service provider. Care Givers Pune is an organization that offers Urine Catheter Insertion at Home service and many other elder services at home.
Secure Your Home:
During the winter, many house fires happen because heating appliances stop working correctly. This can be due to heaters not having enough air, chimneys and vents being blocked, or gas stoves breaking or getting clogged. Electric heaters can also cause fires if they fall over or use too much power. To prevent this, make sure all heating devices are well-maintained, away from things that can catch fire, and that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms have fresh batteries and are working. If you live in Fatima Nagar, Wanowrie, and Wanowrie, you can find the best home nursing services to help take care of elderly family members 24/7 and keep them safe.
Recognize Potential Risks for Hypothermia:
It’s important for seniors to know their risk of getting too cold, known as hypothermia. If you have diabetes or a metabolic condition, you are more likely to be at risk. People with conditions like Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, or memory problems might have trouble dressing warmly, so they may need extra help in colder weather. Also, certain medications can make you more prone to hypothermia, so talk to your physician about your medications to be aware of the risks.
Keep the Residence Cozy:
Some older people turn down the heat at home to save money. While lowering the temperature a bit is okay, keeping the house very cold for a long time can be dangerous. Older people might not feel the cold like younger people do, and this could lead to them not realizing that the house is too chilly. This can put their health at risk, leading to a condition called hypothermia. It’s important to find a balance to stay warm and safe.
Combat Seasonal Affective Disorder:
During the colder months, people usually enjoy festive moments and spending time with family. However, some people feel really down during the winter because they don’t get enough sunlight. This is called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It can be hard to stay connected with loved ones when it’s cold outside. If you have older family members, make sure to visit or call them often to show you care. This can really brighten their day. You could even plan with caregivers to check on them every day to make sure they’re doing well.
Consume Nutritious Meals:
Eating well is super important, especially in the winter. When there’s not much sunlight and we’re not outside much, we might not get enough vitamin D. Vitamin D is crucial for strong bones, gums, and joints. You can either take supplements or eat foods with vitamin D like fatty fish, buttermilk, egg yolks, and chicken to stay healthy.
The Best way to Deal with Winter is to Socialize Through Technology:
Winter can sometimes make us feel a bit down, especially with gloomy weather and being stuck indoors. But there are things we can do to stay happy! Try talking to friends or family on Zoom, or plan safe outings with them. Keeping in touch with loved ones helps us feel connected and not lonely. Also, try to spend some time outside, even if it’s just a short walk, to get a little sunlight for vitamin D, which is good for our mood.
For elder people, winter can be enjoyable if you plan ahead. Make sure to take care of yourself, and don’t hesitate to ask for help from caregivers, friends, or family. This way, you can stay cozy and safe during the winter months.