As the temperature dips lower, seniors are put at risk of hypothermia. If you are an in-home care provider for an elderly loved one, it’s important to know how to prevent hypothermia in seniors. Seniors often contract hypothermia much more quickly than younger individuals and can develop hypothermia under much milder conditions.
The team at Visiting Angels has put together a short guide that in-home care providers can use to prevent hypothermia in seniors. We’ve also included the signs of hypothermia so that you can quickly identify these signs and get medical attention when needed.
While most people think of hypothermia as something that only happens outside of the home during extreme winter weather, the indoors can be an even bigger threat to older Americans. That’s because people of all ages think of the indoors as a safe space and fail to take precautions to prevent hypothermia in seniors.
If you are an in-home care provider for an elderly loved one, here are some specific steps you can take to help decrease your loved one’s vulnerability to hypothermia.
Family in-home care providers should be aware of the signs of hypothermia in seniors. A person may be suffering from hypothermia if one or more of the below symptoms are present:
In later stages, hypothermia presents itself differently. Moderate or severe cases of hypothermia can include the above symptoms, as well as others such as:
As an in-home care provider — or in any other capacity — it’s important to seek immediate medical attention for anyone you suspect may be suffering from hypothermia. Call 911, and keep the person as warm as possible until medical care arrives.
Visiting Angels provides in-home care for seniors. To book a no-cost care consultation with your local agency, call us today at 800-365-4189.
If you are concerned about your loved one’s safety or wellness, we encourage you to speak to their doctor or your local senior welfare agency.
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It has been a true blessing to work for Stacey and Visiting Angels of Fort Lee. Stacey's care for her clients and employees is unmatched any where else. She has always been very respectful & accommodating of my schedule and the hours I can work. The seniors she has paired me up with are a DELIGHT! Stacey, you are fulfilling your God given calling of senior care WELL!! God bless you & keep up the good work!!