Looking After the Elderly During Winter

Elderly at Risk of Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a condition of low body temperature. It is a dangerous condition, which can and does kill, particularly the elderly, during the winter months. The normal body temperature is 37 degrees C. Hypothermia occurs in people when the temperature drops to 35 degrees C. The elderly are particularly vulnerable, especially those living on their own. In attempts to economise, they often cut back on heating their home, resulting in serious consequences. It is estimated that every time the temperature drops one degree C below the average, 8,000 excess deaths of elderly people occur during the winter months. By law, the minimum workplace temperature is 16 degrees C. However, 55% of elderly people have living rooms below that temperature! Older people may have arthritis, which restricts their mobility, and sit for long periods of time, often in a poorly heated room. To compound this situation they may also suffer from poor circulation, and a poor appetite may result in them not bothering to cook a hot meal for themselves. People on certain sedatives (e.g. chlorpromazine) are more prone to hypothermia, as are patients with an under active thyroid.

Signs of Hypothermia

An old person with hypothermia may show any of the following signs:
They often don't complain of feeling cold, but when you touch their skin they certainly feel cold, especially in parts of the body under clothing, such as the abdomen or in the armpit
They may be drowsy or fatigued Their speech may be slurred
They may be very unsteady on their feet,br> They may be pale and their face puffy
They may seem confused

Be Aware: An old person found on the floor, perhaps having fallen on their way to the toilet during the night, may well be conscious, sensible and not admit to being cold, yet still be hypothermic. So please do call the doctor.

Tips for Preventing Hypothermia

As it is easier to prevent hypothermia, than to treat it, during winter older family members, friends and neighbours may find the following advice helpful:
Avoid unheated rooms, especially at night
If you can't afford to heat your bedroom and sitting room, then put your bed into the sitting room just for the winter months. To save you going upstairs in the cold, bring your clothes downstairs. Ask for someone to help move the bed
Have a cordless telephone beside you and a friend or family member's number on speed dial
Keep the room heating on low all night
Warm the bed with a hot water bottle or electric blanket
Wear pyjamas, rather than nightdresses or nightshirts
Use thermal underwear. Nowadays it can come in fine materials and is very comfortable to wear
Wear a woollen hat or balaclava. 20% of body heat is lost from the head
Wear bed socks
If using a duvet, ensure it has a high TOG rating - the higher the TOG number the warmer the quilt
Have a commode or chemical toilet by the bed. Many people may not like this idea, but if the bathroom is on a different floor to where the bed is, they are very useful. Most commodes nowadays are inconspicuous
Have a hot drink at bedtime, and have a full thermos flask of warm drink by the bed
Beware of alcohol, as this causes a loss of body heat!
Have a thermometer in your room, keeping the temperature no less than 21 degrees C
Community alarms are emergency response systems that can summon help in emergencies. You are usually supplied with a pendant or device you can carry around with you. Check with the local authority as they may provide them to some older people
Have at least one hot meal a day
During the day wear several layers of warm clothing. Wool and cotton are better than synthetic fibres
During the day, get up and walk about. Exercise stimulates heat production in the muscles. When outside, wear good shoes and two pair of socks. Warm insoles are also useful
If you are worried about your heating bills, contact your local Social Security office, Citizens Advice Bureau, Age Concern office, Local Council or the Gas or Electricity showrooms. There is a great deal of free advice available to you about heating allowances, home insulation, energy saving schemes etc.

Look out for your neighbour

If you have elderly neighbours, keep an eye on their house in cold weather.
Dont forget to look out for signs that an elderly neighbour is not active. These could include milk not taken in, a build up of post and papers in the letter box, curtains closed during the day or lights left on during the day, a dog barking, or the cat waiting to get in. If you find an elderly person who may have hypothermia, immediately call the doctor or ambulance. Hypothermia is an emergency and needs to be dealt with immediately. While waiting:
Wrap the person in blankets and quilt
Warm up the room
Give the person a warm drink. NO alcohol.