
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 6, 2005
Cold Weather Tips to Safeguard
Seniors
CHICAGO — When
temperatures drop, it’s risky for everyone, but for
the elderly it can be fatal. Seniors are particularly
susceptible to complications from winter weather. Falls,
influenza and hypothermia top the list of winter
ailments. The Illinois Council on Long Term Care, a
statewide association of long term care facilities,
offers valuable tips to the public on how to keep the
elderly safe and comfortable during the winter as
temperatures and wind chills dip below zero.
"We want to share some of our tips to ensure the
continued welfare and safety for thousands of older
Illinoisans throughout the state," said Susan Duda
Gardiner, director of clinical services for the Council.
"Illinois nursing home staff do an excellent job of
protecting residents from extreme cold and related
conditions and have much to impart."
The Illinois Council on Long Term Care provides the
following advice for protecting elderly friends, family
and neighbors from cold weather-related illnesses and
injuries:
Ensure loved ones wear hats, mittens, scarves and
a warm coat and layers when going outside.
Provide proper footwear for seniors: outdoors, a
rubber sole shoe with treads for ice and snow;
indoors, a shoe with a thin rubber sole or rough
leather sole.
Make sure sidewalks and driveways are clear and
sanded or salted.
Keep apartment and room temperatures set at 70
degrees or warmer.
Inspect heating unit and make sure it is in good
working condition.
Arrange for plenty of blankets to keep older
family members or friends warm while they sleep.
Talk with elderly persons about the importance of
eating nutritious foods and drinking extra fluids;
an improper diet can lead to a lowered immune
system.
Be aware of medications that the senior in your
life is taking, as certain medications can cause
dizziness or affect the blood vessels’ ability to
respond to temperature changes.
Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or
sneezing, to avoid spreading germs; use tissues when
blowing your nose and dispose of used tissues
immediately, to stop viruses from spreading; and
wash your hands thoroughly, to prevent circulating
the flu or other illnesses.
Seniors, their families and their caregivers should
be aware that winter increases the risk for falls,
influenza and hypothermia.
Falls, always a concern for older persons,
are more likely when ice and snow make walking
outdoors more difficult. Falls and their consequences
are one of the leading causes of death in people 65
and older.
Influenza cases increase in winter. With
this year’s flu vaccine shortage, it’s even more
important that seniors avoid contact with those who
have symptoms of the flu.
Hypothermia is a condition of below-normal
body temperature and can occur when the body’s
temperature is at or below 96 degrees. Persons older
than 75 years are five times more likely to die from
hypothermia than those younger than 75.
In the case of falls, influenza or hypothermia, the
Council advises families and caregivers to consult a
physician.
Media Note: To arrange an interview with Susan
Duda Gardiner to discuss the importance of these tips
related to seniors and cold weather, please call Kevin
Kavanaugh at 773-478-6613.
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The Illinois Council
on Long Term Care is an association of
nearly 200 Illinois nursing facilities
that employ 26,000 professionals who
provide care to more than 37,000
residents. To learn more information
about nursing home care in Illinois,
visit the Council’s Web site www.nursinghome.org.
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