The countdown is on for the end of the winter, but we suspect it won’t be leaving us without a fight. If you’ve yet to retrieve your winter coat from storage, now is undoubtedly the time! While the colder months present challenges for everyone, they notably pose heightened health risks for the elderly and vulnerable populations. According to a recent NHS article, hospital admissions for respiratory conditions double during winter, underscoring the importance of proactive measures. In this week’s blog we have compiled some advice to ensure the health and safety of your residents this winter:
Stay Warm
Wrap up, wear plenty of layers, and ensure that your home is warm enough. Make sure you have at least one hot meal a day and lots of hot drinks!
Older people generally struggle to regulate their core temperature, making them more susceptible to illness when it is cold. Due to this, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that the ideal temperature for their homes should be between 20 and 21 degrees. For everyone else, your home should be a minimum of 18 degrees.
Stay Active
Not only is this a good way to keep warm, but it also maintains your strength and flexibility. It is also beneficial for your mental health, which can be a struggle during the darker months. Find out more in our blog about beating the blues here.
Stay Safe
Get your jabs! Healthcare workers and individuals aged 65 and above can claim a free flu jab through the NHS. If you do get ill, make sure to keep your distance from others, catch any coughs or sneezes with a tissue, and wash your hands. If you are around or working with vulnerable people, consider wearing a mask.
Stay Social
The cold weather can make it more difficult to get out and about, exacerbating feelings of loneliness and social isolation. A study found that socially isolated people are more likely to be admitted to the hospital.
Encourage social interaction between friends and family, even a video chat could make a world of difference. In care home facilities, encouraging activities is a good way to promote socialising while fostering creativity! Follow our social media to stay updated and get involved in our arts and crafts campaigns.
As we reach the end of winter, we hope these tips help you stay warm and well, ready for spring!
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References
- Effect of social factors on winter hospital admission for respiratory disease: a case–control study of older people in the UK by Rachel E Jordan et al
- Winter thermal comfort and health in the elderly by Caroline Hughes
- Age UK: Keeping warm and well in winter
- NHS: Flu Vaccine
- NHS News: NHS sets out plans for winter with new measures to help speed up discharge for patients and improve care