The coldest of winter temperatures will be here before you know it. While some areas will battle temperatures and wind chills that are well below zero, even the warmest parts of the country will see temperatures drop, especially in the evenings.
If you are caring for your elderly loved one in your home, you might find that different family members want the home to be at a different temperature. Some like it cooler, and some like it warmer. But it may also seem that no matter how warm you feel, your elderly loved one is always cold.
As a person ages, it becomes more difficult for them to regulate their body temperature, especially maintain and generate the heat they need to stay warm in cooler temps. There are three key reasons for this change.
- A slower metabolic rate. Because the rate naturally decreases, your loved one might not be able to generate enough heat to stay at the normal temp of 98.6 degrees.
- Reduced circulation. Whether it’s due to health issues or medication side effects, many seniors have poor circulation, making it more difficult for the body to retain heat.
- Thinner skin and reduced fat under the skin reduce the body’s ability to retain heat.
So, what can you do other than crank the heat and make the rest of the family and even guests like her companion care at home provider break out into a sweat each time they visit? Here are some ideas to help your loved one stay warm while at home.
- Add layers. Winter is the time of year for layers. More layers can create more insulation, keeping your loved one warm. If she has help from a companion care at home provider getting ready each morning, they might consider adding some thermal underwear underneath her clothes to help keep her toasty on the coldest days. Then layer shirts with sweaters and socks with slippers.
- Wear slippers. Speaking of slippers, buy your loved one some non-skid slippers to wear around the home and prevent the coolness of a wood floor from freezing her tootsies off. Buy the slippers large enough that she can add a pair of thick socks under them to keep her feet warm.
- Have plenty of blankets around. Sitting around causes a person to be cooler in temp since there is no activity to warm them up. If your loved one likes to sit and play cards with her companion care at home provider, make sure she has a nice blanket to put over her lap. Also, have extra throw blankets on chairs and couches, basically anywhere some sustained sitting might take place.
- Use portable heaters. A portable heater can help make a small place like a corner of a room or a small bedroom warmer but must be used with the utmost care. Read and follow all safety instructions before using a heater to keep your loved one warm.
Remember, even if you’re feeling comfortable in your home, your loved one might need some extra help to stay comfortable and warm this winter.
If you or an aging loved one are considering companion care at home in Belmont, MA, please contact the caring staff at PlatinumCare + today. Call (617) 237-0867.
PlatinumCare + was born out of the desire and passion to provide the very best home health care possible in Brookline, Dover, Newton, Needham, Watertown, Weston, Cambridge, Lincoln, Sudbury, Belmont, Boston MA, and surrounding areas.
All with decades of experience, Tim in IT Operations, Support, and Management, Brenda in Client Relations, Healthcare Services & Sales Management, and Anne in Healthcare as a Nurse Practitioner combined their skills to form what is now PlatinumCare +.
As immigrants to the US, all came from backgrounds where Healthcare for aging parents was a responsibility of the immediate family and the entire community. Aging, sick, or terminal community members were cared for physically, emotionally, and financially by family, friends, including strangers! This community approach, Healthcare with a difference, delivered with the utmost love, care, sacrifice, and passion, forms the basis of how PlatinumCare + grounds itself.
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