Why Winter Is Harder for Elderly Folks — And What Families Can Do to Help

Winter brings the beauty of stillness. Noises are softer. Time seems to slow its pace as we wrap up in warm clothes and gather around cozy fires. For older ones though, it brings a whole set of challenges – the cold air can feel sharper on fragile skin, the chill can seep into their worn joints, and the gray can make them feel a little lonelier.

For the elderly, winter can be a test of their strength, stamina and self-sufficiency. Even the basic tasks are harder. And now, with their mobility much diminished, the elderly face a whole host of physical and mental health problems.

We get especially busy at Legacy Place when winter approaches, so we can provide the needed care for our residents. We thought it might be helpful for you to you know how you can help older ones handle the special challenges of the winter months.

Why Winters Are Especially Challenging for Seniors

In places with cold winters like Pennsylvania, winter challenges are backed up by data. The United States CDC reports that one in every four adults aged 65 and above falls each year, considering it a major cause of more than 3 million emergency room visits and hospitalizations, with cold weather conditions in winter substantially elevating this risk. Cold-related falls mean that ER visits are a common occurrence, and older bodies simply don’t react as well to cold stress. Let’s see some challenges that older ones face:

• Storms

If you live in a place with its fair share of cold, windy days, you have seen the havoc caused by storms. Some storms may also leave seniors snowed in. This is particularly challenging as they are at increased risk of falling. Those are big sources of injury, potentially leading to a loss of independence, at a time when they need it most.

• Hypothermia

During power outages, homes can become much colder. As a result, elderly people can develop hypothermia. Hypothermia is a dangerous condition that can develop right in your own home. Because aging bodies produce less internal heat and have less insulating muscle and fat, even mild cold can trigger dangerously low body temperatures if precautions are not taken.

• Illness

Elderly people also experience a diminished ability to regulate their body temperature, making it easier for them to fall sick, with longer times required for recovery. Respiratory problems usually increase in the winter months. If not nipped in the bud, these diseases do more damage to older people.

• Nutritional Challenges

The nutritional needs of older ones change in the winter. Dehydration can often be a slow but dangerous enemy in winter. A reduced appetite and muscle loss are common because of a decrease in activity. A decrease in Vitamin D could also contribute to immunity and joint problems.

•  Winter Blues

Many seniors report having the winter blues, a mix of loneliness, worry, and sadness. That is particularly the case for older adults living alone. It can add to their sense of separation from family and friends and those involved in their care.

The elderly need to be supported at this time more than any other, and we as caregivers need to reach out and do our very best to let them feel the warmth, love, and comfort of life.

 

How to Support Older Adults in Receiving the Care They Need

Family can help protect their beloved seniors from severe winter weather. Some important points are as follows:

1.     Get your home ready for the winter.

Shovel snow frequently, use non-slip mats, install handrails, and make sure heating systems are properly maintained.

At Legacy Place, we have a rigorous maintenance schedule to ensure that all our heating systems are working, and the home is safe for our residents throughout the year and especially so in the winter months.

2.     Ensuring that they have adequate nutrition is very important.

Here are some tips:

–       Include citrus fruits and other Vitamin C-rich foods as immunity boosters and include anti-inflammatory ingredients like ginger and garlic. Protein-rich but easily digestible meals can help compensate for muscle loss.

–       A regular intake of soups, teas and other warm fluids through the day can ensure that they stay hydrated.

–       Talk to your doctor if they need additional nutritional supplements.

At Legacy Place, our menu is changed regularly in consultation with nutrition experts to account for the additional needs in the winter months. Meals are adjusted to provide for the individual needs of residents if they have a special dietary requirement.

3.     Anticipate weather delays.

Have an emergency kit assembled with food, water, medicines, flashlights, and batteries. Keep tuned to local weather warnings. (Luke 21:11)

4.     Stay connected and engaged.

Older people living on their own want to be reassured that you care. Routine calls or video chats, however brief, will brighten their day.

At Legacy Place, our older ones enjoy the company of fellow believers and close friends among the residents and staff. We regularly arrange activities that bring them together and give them the option to associate.

5.     Help with rides and errands.

Roads in snow and ice are treacherous for elderly people. Help with transportation, grocery shopping, and the delivery of medication.

6.     Exercise is important

Exercise helps combat a host of winter challenges like reduced immunity and mobility. It also helps in circulation and enhances mood. But older ones quite likely resist exercise, especially in winter. Make it interesting for them. Join them if you can.

At Legacy Place, our team is always thinking of new and interesting ways to get older ones to participate in light physical exercise. Making it a group activity helps them feel motivated.

When a Care Facility Is the Appropriate Option

For seniors living alone, the winter may bring into sharp focus the lack of a safety net and support. In those cases, a care home might be a good option. A care facility offers:

·      Around-the-clock care

·      Safe and comfortable housing

·      Healthy meals

·      Medical aid

·      Social interaction activities

These are vital services, especially on icy winter days. The choice for a care home isn’t about taking a problem away. It’s about ensuring your loved one is equipped to face winter comfortably, with dignity, and with you being at peace. They should know that help is always at hand.

If you would like to consider a place with us at Legacy Place, please contact us.

Winter may be unavoidable, but it doesn’t need to be overpowering. Until the time that our dear older ones are restored to their health and vigor (Mic. 4:4; John 5:28-29), we can do our best to help these dear ones enjoy these winter months.