[Seniorresources] Cold Weather Advisory

[Marilyn Branch-Mitchell]

Cold Weather Tips for Older Adults and Caregivers

RICHMOND, VA.  February 1 - Senior Connections, The Capital Area Agency
on Aging is advising family, friends and neighbors to take time to check
on the well-being of older family members and friends, especially those
living alone, to insure that they have needed medications, food and
heat.  "Older adults can lose body heat faster than when they were young
and some health problems and medications can make it harder for them to
stay warm," says Dr. Richard J. Hodes, Director, National Institute on
Aging.  In extreme cold weather, seniors are at high risk of developing
hypothermia, a condition where the body's temperature drops below 95
degrees Fahrenheit because of exposure to cold, either indoors or
outside. Low body temperature can cause heart attack, kidney problems,
liver damage and sometimes death. Symptoms of hypothermia include slow
or slurred speech, incoherence, memory loss, drowsiness and
uncontrollable shivering. If the person's temperature is below 95
degrees Fahrenheit, seek immediate medical attention.

 

There are simple steps seniors and their families can take to lower
their risk of this sometimes life-threatening health concern:

1. Stock up on your supply of nonperishable foods

2. Check your prescription medications to ensure that you have a supply
on hand; if your pharmacy delivers            medications, you may also
want to contact them about their schedule in times of inclement weather

3. Have needed telephone numbers on hand in case of an emergency such as
loss of power, heat, or running water or in case of a fall or accident

4. Have an emergency plan in case you don't have electricity or
telephone service

5. In extremely cold temperatures, stay indoors and limit time outside;
cold weather puts a strain on the heart

     even without exertion

6. Dress warmly wearing layers to insulate your body from the cold; wear
a hat outdoors to prevent loss of body heat through the head and cover
the mouth with a scarf to protect the lungs from cold air

7. Sleep under several lightweight blankets instead of one heavy blanket

8. Take precautions to avoid falls on ice or slippery walkways and ask a
neighbor or friend to help clear                             walkways
when needed

 

For general assistance, you may contact Senior Connections, The Capital
Area Agency on Aging at 804-343-3000 or toll free at 1-800-989-2286. In
case of an emergency, dial 911 to get immediate assistance. 

 

Senior Connections, The Capital Area Agency on Aging is a private,
nonprofit organization governed by a Board of Directors. Senior
Connections receives funding from the Older Americans Act through the
Virginia Department for the Aging. Other federal and state funds support
the Agency's programs and local funds are provided from city and county
governments. Established in 1973 as part of a nationwide network of over
650 area agencies on aging, Senior Connections provides information,
advocacy, and home and community services to seniors and their families.
The Agency serves seniors, caregivers and families in the Counties of
Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent,
Powhatan, and the City of Richmond.

#  #  #

 

Hannah P. Robinson, Community Relations Coordinator

and Mature Life Editor

Senior Connections, The Capital Area Agency on Aging

24 East Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23219

Voice: (804) 343-3046   Fax: (804) 649-2258

 

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