Cold Weather Safety for Seniors

As the weather turns colder here in Spokane it is important to make sure our seniors are staying warm and safe. Older adults can lose body heat faster than when they were young. A big chill can turn into a dangerous problem before an older person even knows what's happening.

Beware of Hypothermia
Hypothermia is caused by prolonged exposures to very cold temperatures. When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it’s produced. For an older person, a body temperature of 95°F or lower can cause many health problems. Low Body temperature affects the brain, making the victim unable to think clearly or move well. This makes hypothermia especially dangerous, because a person may not know that it’s happening and won’t be able to do anything about it.

Keep Warm Inside
Living in a cold house or apartment can cause hypothermia. Do not let it get too cold inside and dress warmly. Even if you keep your temperature between 60°F and 65°F, your home may not be warm enough to keep you safe.
Here are some tips for keeping warm while you're inside:

• Set your heat to at least 68–70°F.
• Close off rooms you are not using and keep the basement door closed.
• Place a rolled towel in front of all doors to keep out drafts.
• Keep your blinds and curtains closed. If you have gaps around the windows use weather stripping or caulk to keep the cold air out.
• Dress warmly on cold days even if you are staying in the house.
• If you lose power try to stay with a relative or friend.
• Avoid using space heaters if possible. Some space heaters can be fire hazards.

 
Keep Warm Outside 
Check the weather forecast for cold and windy days. If you have to go out, wear warm clothes, and don't stay out in the cold and wind for a long time.

• Wear loose layers of clothing. The air between the layers helps to keep you warm.
• Put on a hat and scarf. You lose a lot of body heat when your head and neck are uncovered.
• Wear a waterproof coat or jacket if it's snowy.
• Change your clothes right away if they get damp or wet.
• Wear heavy socks and shoes with good traction.

 
Some illnesses may make it harder for your body to stay warm.

• Thyroid problems can make it hard to maintain a normal body temperature.
• Diabetes can keep blood from flowing normally to provide warmth.
• Memory loss can cause a person to go outside without the right clothing.

 
What Are the Warning Signs of Hypothermia? 
Sometimes it is hard to tell if a person has hypothermia. Look for clues. Is the house very cold? Is the person not dressed for cold weather? Is the person speaking slower than normal and having trouble keeping his or her balance?
Watch for the signs of hypothermia in yourself, too. You might become confused if your body temperature gets very low. Talk to your family and friends about the warning signs so they can look out for you.

Early signs of hypothermia:

• Cold feet and hands
• Puffy or swollen face
• Pale skin
• Shivering (in some cases the person with hypothermia does not shiver)
• Slower than normal speech or slurring words
• Acting sleepy
• Being angry or confused

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Later signs of hypothermia:

• Moving slowly, trouble walking, or being clumsy
• Stiff and jerky arm or leg movements
• Slow heartbeat
• Slow, shallow breathing
• Blacking out or losing consciousness

 
Call 9-1-1 right away if you think someone has warning signs of hypothermia.
What to do after you call 9-1-1:

• Try to move the person to a warmer place.
• Wrap the person in a warm blanket, towels, or coats—whatever is handy. Even your own body warmth will help.
• Give the person something warm to drink, but avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine, such as regular coffee.
• Do not rub the person's legs or arms.
• Do not try to warm the person in a bath.
• Do not use a heating pad.