Find out about the difference live-in care can make during the winter months, and how it improves quality of life for the client.
During the winter months elderly people face more risks, especially compared to elsewhere in the world. The statistics relating to the elderly in winter in this country are quite scary and just some of the figures from within the last few years are:
- Between 2016 and 2017 there were 34,000 excess deaths in the UK in Winter and females and the elderly were the most affected.
- A large number of winter deaths in the elderly over the last few years were down to respiratory flu
- Poor quality cold homes are thought to be a contributory factor in elderly deaths in winter
The fact is, the risks are there and we have to be proactive about those risks in winter. Some of the main risks posed to the elderly in winter include:
Winter Weather
Anything that makes the ground slippy is a hazard for the elderly who may already struggle with balance and mobility. So snow, ice and freezing rain are very tricky weather conditions to battle. On top of that, walking in snow can be more physically demanding than usual, and a drop in body temperature can be a real problem if your immune system is already compromised.
Illness
Winter always brings with it cold and flu and combined with spending more times indoors with other people, the chances of catching something are higher. Plus, immune systems may be compromised already, so illness almost seems inevitable.
Arthritic Pain
Arthritis and joint pain can be worse in winter and so, getting around can be much more tricky.
Heart Issues
As the heart has to work harder to pump blood around the body in colder temperatures, it comes under strain and so, the heart can be at risk if there is already a known or unknown weakness.
Feeling Alone
Loneliness can be prevalent in winter for lots of reasons. The older person may suffer memories of those they have lost more because of emotive holidays like Christmas. As transport may run less often, weather can stop travel and because everybody is busier at this time of year, they may see their loved ones less, which can be a lonely time.
Live-in Care Can Make All The Difference In Winter
Live-in care can help to lower the risks your loved one faces in winter. A live-in care is able to:
- Provide nursing care or help ensure nursing care from the NHS is provided at the right times
- Aid in nutritional needs (cooking and including multivitamins in medication timetables)
- Help with mobility and helping the client get around
- Help in house maintenance when getting around is more difficult
- Care through illness
- Encouragement and organisation of the client going to social events
Live-in care can make such a huge difference to how well an elderly person copes in winter. It also provides peace of mind to the family that their loved one is safe in their home. Most importantly, it helps the client avoid going into residential care. A Live In Care Hub report found that nearly 100% of people would avoid going into residential care if they became unable to care for themselves. It matters to all of us that when we get older, we stay in our own home if we can and live-in care can ensure that happens in winter and all year round. Look into Live-in care today to find out how it could help your loved one thrive in their own home.
