While exposure to cold weather can affect anyone, some people are more at risk than others (such as the elderly, people with long-term health conditions, people with learning disabilities, and people who are housebound or have low mobility). Ensuring that you’re properly prepared for the cooler weather will help prevent you from becoming unwell or developing complications with a pre-existing condition.
Fortunately, there are things you, your family, and your care team can do to ensure that you stay warm and healthy over the coming winter months.
The dedicated team at myCare has been helping our clients live the way they want to live in the comfort of their own homes for more than 25 years. If you or a loved one need live-in care services, particularly over the cold winter months, be sure to reach out to us today.
Keep Your Body Warm
Extremely cold weather can have a severe impact on your health, particularly if you have a respiratory or heart condition. Our bodies must be kept at a core body temperature of 37°C, which means that our homes should be heated to a minimum of 18°C.
There are, however, many ways that you can keep yourself warm without turning your central heating on.
- Wear lots of layers rather than a single, thick piece of clothing to help trap your body heat and keep you warmer. Choose insulating materials like wool and thermals or even a hot water bottle.
- Eat healthily and drink plenty of hot beverages, like tea and coffee, throughout the day. Avoid alcohol, as this prevents your blood vessels from constricting, and you’ll start to lose heat.
- Avoid sitting still for long periods – move around and stay as active as possible. This boosts circulation, your mood, and keeps you warm. It’s a good idea to get up and move every hour or so.
Keep Your Home Warm
There are also ways that you can keep your home warm without using central heating.
- Open your curtains during the day – the sun will still provide some warmth, even over the winter. Close them as soon as the sun sets to keep the warm air in.
- Line your windows with rubber seals and use draught excluders on external doors (even a tightly rolled towel will do) to prevent heat loss through gaps.
- Move furniture away from external walls – sitting with your back against an internal wall can instantly make you feel warmer.
- If you have timber or laminate floors rather than carpets, put down plenty of rugs to insulate your home.
Even with the rising costs of living, sometimes you will have no choice but to turn on the central heating to keep your home warm. Heating a single room that you spend most of your time in is a cost-effective way to do this.
Keep Warm at Night
It’s no secret that the temperature plummets when the sun goes down, so keeping your bedroom as warm as possible overnight is essential.
- Use extra blankets and invest in flannel or fleece bedding if possible, as these are the warmest options (they trap body heat and are better insulators than cotton).
- An electric blanket or hot water bottle is a lot cheaper to run than your central heating – just don’t use them both together! Weighted blankets can also be very warm overnight.
- Wear fleece or flannel pyjamas, as they trap body heat and help to keep you warm. Don’t forget your feet! Bed socks are a great option for keeping your feet warm while you sleep.
Keep Germs at Bay
Winter is known for all sorts of bugs and illnesses, from the common cold through to influenza and Covid-19. There are many things you can do besides regularly washing your hands with soap and water to prevent germs from spreading.
- Catch any coughs or sneezes in a tissue (and then dispose of it!). If you don’t have a tissue on hand, the crook of your elbow is acceptable – but be sure to wash your hands afterwards.
- Wear a face mask or cover in busy indoor spaces (like shops and doctor’s offices).
- Avoid close contact with unwell people and leave a window ajar for fresh air circulation when meeting with people indoors.
- Get your flu jab (free from the NHS if you’re over 50 or have certain long-term conditions).
Keep Warm and Healthy with myCare
For many needing extra support, the prospect of staying warm and healthy over the cold winter months can be daunting, as it requires tasks beyond what you’re used to. The good news is that you don’t have to go it alone – your care provider is well-equipped to help you prepare and manage for the cool weather ahead.
The dedicated team at myCare is committed to providing tailored, live-in care packages that enable our clients to live as independently as possible all year round. Please get in touch if you or a loved one need some extra support in day-to-day life.
