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7 Ways To Support A Person With Dementia In Cold Weather
Winter months can often disrupt routines for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. The colder months may bring in more health risks and increased anxiety and confusion. That’s why families of such individuals become more cautious in this season. Caregivers at memory care centers and dementia home care services in Georgia create a structured plan to help individuals pass the winter months with warmth and comfort.
Here are 7 ways you can provide better Alzheimer’s care and support in cold weather
1. Ensure Safe and Warm Clothing Layers
Individuals with dementia often do not realize they are cold. This can pose a health hazard. Moreover, they may forget to dress up warmly for outdoor cold conditions.
Caregivers at Alzheimer’s and dementia care, Athens, pay special attention to their clothing during this weather. Layering is a good idea, as it traps body heat and keeps the person warm. As a caregiver, you can help them in layering their clothes step by step, followed by appropriate warm footwear and warm scarves or hats to protect the feet and the head, respectively, from cold. You can also help them wear gloves and coats when they are out for a walk.
2. Maintain a Warm and Comfortable Home Environment
Check their room temperature. Please do not expect the individuals to tell you that it is cold. People in later stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s may not realize they are shivering and would continue to endure their discomfort rather than speak. In fact, cold conditions may make them more agitated or depressed, and may lead to conditions like hypothermia.
It is up to us to ensure their living environment is warm and cozy. Area rugs, heavy curtains, and good central heating system can help to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the Alzheimer’s assisted living facility or their home.
3. Prevent Slips and Falls in Winter Conditions
Snowy weather is usually wet and may increase the risk of fall. It is vital to ensure driveways, walkways, and home entrances are clear of snow and ice. In addition, check for loose rugs, tangled chords, and slippery mats. Remove them and create a safe and dry environment where residents can move around without a risk of tripping or slipping.
Baths and kitchens are two of the high risk areas. Ensure proper lighting and take care of the wet floors or foggy shower walls that may reduce visibility and increase confusion for dementia individuals. Reputable dementia home care services in Georgia put in extra efforts to create a safe and comfortable environment for residents, especially during the winter.
4. Encourage Hydration and Nutritious Warm Meals
The cold weather often makes people less thirsty. However, according to doctors, you may not realize but your body may dehydrate from within. The situation may become worse for individuals with dementia, as they may forget to drink water or may not recognize thirst.
Nurses trained for Alzheimer’s care know how to keep such individuals hydrated. They remind them to drink water throughout the day. They provide warm soups, herbal teas, and broths throughout the day to ensure proper hydration and nutrition of the individuals. Such warm liquids also provide warmth and comfort during the colder months.
In addition, a diet including fruits and veggies ensures the body stays hydrated and nourished during winter. The immune system stays strong and this also helps in elevating the mood and cognitive function of the dementia individuals.
5. Support Daily Routines and Reduce Winter Confusion
The typical “winter blues” affects even normal people. For individuals with dementia, this can be a particularly hard time, as they may feel depressed, anxious, agitated, confused, and just not themselves. So, they require extra care. Shorter days, lesser sunshine, and limited outdoor movement may aggravate their condition.
At Alzheimer’s assisted living facility in Georgia, caregivers help residents maintain a consistent daily routine to ease their confusion and anxiety. They also include interesting activities during the day that not only help in their cognitive function, but also keep them engaged and in a happy state of mind.
Structured environments, consistent daily routines, and temperature-regulated indoor atmosphere all play a role in providing excellent Alzheimer’s care for individuals with this progressive condition.
6. Keep Them Emotionally Connected and Engaged
As mentioned earlier, cold weather may increase confusion in individuals with dementia. This may make them stay in their rooms, not wanting to mingle with other residents or family members (if they are at home). This can worsen their confusion and lead to emotional turmoils.
Reputable facility for Alzheimer’s & dementia care in Athens organizes meaningful indoor activities during the day to keep residents engaged. This may include art, music, storytelling, cooking sessions, gentle stretching exercises, and others. Regular social interaction is a must for individuals with dementia, say doctors.
7. Monitor Health Closely and Plan for Emergencies
Winter increases the risk of respiratory infections, common cold and flu, arthritic pains, and other illnesses. Individuals with dementia often find it difficult to express their discomfort. That’s why nurses providing Alzheimer’s care keep the individuals under constant health monitoring. They are also trained to deal with emergencies.
Watch out for any change in sleep cycle, appetite, mobility, or behavior. They may be a sign of an underlying health condition. Ensure their medications are on time, vaccinations are done timely, and they are well-connected with their doctors. Always have an emergency plan in place.
Winter at Haven Memory Care: Stories That Warm the Heart
Whether your loved one is under dementia home care services in Georgia or resides in Alzheimer’s assisted living facility, make sure they are in a supportive environment that improves their quality of life.
Is there Alzheimer’s facility near me?
If this is the question in your mind, then welcome to Haven Memory Care. We are one of the most prestigious memory care community in Athens, Georgia. Our center is architecturally crafted to support the unique needs of individuals with dementia.
Whether it is winter or any season, we ensure our residents feel at home throughout the year.
If your loved one is in need of Alzheimer’s care, you can contact us to arrange for personalized care and superior support.
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