Generally, cold weather is harsh on everyone however it’s always harsher for older adults. This is because the ability to regulate temperature can be different in older loved ones. So, extreme temperature conditions can be damaging to their overall well-being.
These few tips will help you ensure your older loved ones stay warm during cold weather in Greenville, SC:
Regular Activities
Staying active is important for older adults to stay warm during cold weather. Although, this can become relatively difficult as they won’t be able to stay outdoors for a long time. It does not matter how restricted the situation might be, ensure you constantly get their heart pumping daily.
Walking outside on warmer days will be helpful to help them stay warm. Also, they can always move indoors to get active. Whatever your option, always plan activities to help them warm up.
As a primary caregiver, you can help your loved ones with physical activities. However, you can help your loved ones stay warmer by moving them to a residential community. These centers also help with other activities like medication reminders, easy mobility, meal preparation, and exercises.
Get a Humidifier
If you have older adults around, invest in a humidifier to make them stay warmer. Generally, humid air is warmer than dry air, therefore having this ensures your older adult is more comfortable.
There are other benefits to buying a humidifier, asides from helping to stay warmer. It will help your older loved ones prevent dry skin, airborne viruses, allergy symptoms, and snoring and help with sinus. Some models have the configuration to adjust to a warm temperature. They might be quite expensive, but they will help your older adults live more comfortably.
Use Blankets
The weather at night might be colder, that is why you need to take care of their bedding. Prepare them for the night by ensuring there is enough blanket to stay warmer. You can opt for the fleece blanket, to offer your loved ones a softer and warmer feeling. To make it more effective, you can use it with other bedding layers.
On the other hand, you can go for the electric blanket. This is commonly used as it features settings to adjust the temperature for a comfortable sleep. However, cautions need to be taken while using the electric blanket. This is to avoid burns, electric shock, and fire.
Alternative Plans
This is essential for older adults living independently. You must do everything to ensure your older adults stay warm irrespective of the condition. Schedule a constant visit to their suites and always ensure things like the heating system is functioning properly.
Asides from these precautions, always have an alternative plan. You can either arrange for a caregiver to help you out or move them to a family member. You can also try moving them to an assisted living center for respite care.
Residential communities are the most appropriate as they can help your older loved ones with other activities. Your older adults might find it hard to accomplish daily tasks like housekeeping, bathing, grooming, cooking, and other activities. These centers will help them out.
