Cold weather can be especially tough for older adults, particularly those living with frailty or long term health conditions. As temperatures drop, it is important to take a few extra steps to help your loved one stay safe, warm and well through the winter months.
From keeping the home cosy to watching out for signs of illness, here are four simple ways to offer thoughtful support when it is cold outside.
1. Avoiding the winter bugs
Certain illnesses, such as flu and coronavirus, are more prevalent during cold weather. Respiratory viruses can also hit older adults harder, especially if they have a serious, long-term health condition or are over a certain age.
The flu jab is available to people:
- Aged 65 or over
- Aged less than 65 who have a serious long-term health condition
- In long-stay residential care
The flu vaccine offers vital protection against flu, a potentially serious or even life-threatening illness. Each year, the NHS offers it in autumn and early winter to people at higher risk of severe illness, such as those with long‑term health conditions, pregnant women, older adults, carers and others. It’s available free on the NHS and helps reduce the risk of flu-related complications.
Stopping the spread of winter germs
Other than vaccinations, there are several other things to keep in mind to reduce the spread of illness:
- Catch coughs and sneezes in a tissue, then wash your hands
- Wash your hands regularly, for at least 20 seconds with soap and water
- In a pinch, keep hand sanitiser with you at all times
- Keep windows open for extra ventilation
- Consider wearing a face covering when visiting a vulnerable person
- Encourage others to stay away if they’re unwell, wear a face covering and practice good hygiene before and after visits
2. Keeping warm indoors and outdoors
One of the most important things to remember when supporting older people in winter is to wrap up warm, both indoors and outdoors.
Staying warm inside
Staying warm in the comfort of your own home might not sound difficult, but with rising energy prices and the threat of benefit cuts, older adults are becoming hesitant to turn the heating on. To help them stay warm inside, try to:
- Maintain a steady and comfortable temperature of around 18°C throughout the day
- Turn off radiators in rooms you don’t use and leave the doors closed to save on energy bills
- Block drafts by closing all windows and curtains when it gets dark outside
- Consider putting down carpet or rugs in rooms with wooden flooring, as this will help insulate the home better
- Hot water bottles and heated blankets are good, cost-effective options for keeping warm at night
- Make sure they have plenty of warm nightwear and insulated socks for particularly cold nights
Wrapping up warm outside
Elderly adults might avoid going outdoors, especially if they’re worried about slipping on ice or catching a chill. To help them maintain their independence and get out in cold weather, consider:
- Make sure they have lots of clothing appropriate for the winter, including jumpers, hats, scarves, gloves and thick socks
- Encourage them to wear lots of thin layers rather than one thick layer, as the former will keep them warmer and is easier to add to
- Ask someone to accompany them when going out to prevent them from getting hurt without anyone to help
- Make sure their shoes have an adequate grip
- Try and schedule outings for the warmest and brightest part of the day, which is usually between lunchtime and mid-afternoon
3. Maintaining a healthy diet
Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet is always recommended, no matter what time of year it is, but this is even more important during the winter months. Encouraging an older adult to eat well will boost their immune system and prevent minor illnesses from contributing to frailty or turning into more serious ailments, like chest infections.
Here are some tips on encouraging an older adult to eat well during winter:
- Offer warming foods and drink warm beverages: Warming foods like soups and stews are perfect for staying warm, while plenty of warm drinks like tea can make all the difference.
- Vary the foods in their diet: Eating different fruits and vegetables every day helps them benefit from various nutrients and vitamins. Frozen and canned vegetables are often just as beneficial as fresh!
- Keep the cupboards stocked: It’s a good idea to keep several cans of nutritious food in an older person’s kitchen over the winter, just in case they fall ill and can’t get out to the shops for a few days.
If you notice your loved one not eating as much or losing weight, it’s important to get to the root of the cause as quickly as possible. Losing weight is definitely not something we want to encourage older people to do over winter, as this can lead to weakness, an increased risk of falling and cold-related stressors. Encourage them to eat what they fancy to increase their calorie intake, even if it’s not the healthiest option.
4. Planning ahead and taking precautions during the winter
As with most things, taking precautions is essential for keeping your loved one as comfortable and confident during the winter. Remembering to plan ahead means you won’t have to worry about scrambling around during the colder months or playing catch-up as they run into roadblocks.
Here are some things to consider when planning ahead:
- Stock up on medication: Make sure your loved one has plenty of cold and flu remedies, sore throat lozenges and painkillers at home, so they can take them as soon as they notice a tickle at the back of their throat.
- Apply for winter benefits: Winter is an expensive time of year, so make sure they’ve applied for all the benefits and financial help schemes they’re eligible for.
- Replace their old shoes and winter gear: The price of winter shoes, clothing and other equipment skyrockets as we near the end of the year, so buying these things early can save money and prevent you from having to panic buy in December.
- Know the warning signs for cold-related dangers: The cold can increase the risk of a stroke or heart attack in older people, as well as hypothermia. Knowing what to look out for can save valuable time should your loved one experience a life-threatening illness.
How Country Cousins can help
At Country Cousins, we know that cold weather can make daily life more difficult for older people, especially those living with frailty or long term conditions. From preparing hot meals to keeping the home cosy, our live-in carers provide practical help and peace of mind. With one to one support in the comfort of home, there is no need to face the cold months alone
Our live-in care service includes:
- Assistance with bathing, showering, dressing and oral hygiene
- Help getting around the house safely
- Encouragement to continue social activities and hobbies
- Transportation to and from appointments, shops and social events
- Nutritious meal planning and preparation
- Companionship and emotional support
Talk to our team today
As the UK’s longest-serving introductory live-in care agency, we have been providing compassionate live-in care to those who need it since 1959 – all from the comfort of their own homes.
Give us a call today on 01293 224 706. Our experienced team is on hand to help from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. Alternatively, contact us through our online enquiry form.
