Memastikan orang dewasa yang lebih tua selamat dalam cuaca sejuk: hipotermia dalaman, memeriksa jiran dan bantuan pemanasan¶

Cuaca sejuk jauh lebih berbahaya untuk orang dewasa yang lebih tua daripada yang disedari kebanyakan orang, dan kebanyakan bahaya adalah di dalam rumah. Orang yang lebih tua boleh mengalami hipotermia di ruang tamu yang hanya terasa sejuk, kerana penuaan mengubah cara badan merasakan sejuk, menghasilkan haba dan menahannya. Musim sejuk juga membawa kejatuhan pada ais, ketegangan jantung, selesema, karbon monoksida daripada pemanasan yang lemah, dan risiko bersendirian apabila berlaku masalah.

Panduan ini adalah untuk orang dewasa yang lebih tua, keluarga mereka dan jiran mereka. Ia menerangkan sebab sejuk lebih berisiko dengan usia, cara mengekalkan rumah pada suhu yang selamat, cara mengenali hipotermia dalaman, cara menyemak jiran dengan selamat dan mesra, dan cara mencari bantuan dengan kos pemanasan di Amerika Syarikat, Kanada, United Kingdom dan negara lain. Ia juga meliputi ubat-ubatan, makanan, jatuh, karbon monoksida dan gangguan bekalan elektrik. Lihat perancangan kecemasan orang dewasa yang lebih tua untuk perancangan am.

Lakukan ini sekarang¶

1. Semak suhu di dalam bilik tempat orang tua menghabiskan hari dan di dalam bilik tidur. Sasarkan sekurang-kurangnya 18 darjah Celsius (64 darjah Fahrenheit) di ruang tamu dan lebih panas jika orang itu berasa sejuk, lemah atau tidak sihat. Pindahkan mereka ke bilik atau tempat yang lebih panas jika mereka tidak selesa.
2. Cari tanda amaran: kulit sejuk, menggigil atau tidak menggigil langsung, mengantuk, pertuturan yang tidak jelas, kekeliruan, pergerakan perlahan atau muka sembab dan pucat. Jika anda melihat mereka, hubungi nombor kecemasan tempatan anda (911 di Amerika Syarikat dan Kanada, 112 di seluruh Kesatuan Eropah, 999 di United Kingdom). Lihat nombor kecemasan.
3. Tambah lapisan, topi, stokin hangat dan selimut, dan bantu orang itu makan dan minum sesuatu yang hangat. Tanggalkan pakaian lembap dan jauhkan daripada draf.
4. Periksa sama ada penggera karbon monoksida yang berfungsi dan penggera asap dipasang, dan tiada gril, dapur kem, penjana atau ketuhar gas digunakan untuk memanaskan.
5. Semak jiran yang lebih tua atau bersendirian, melalui telefon atau di depan pintu, dan bersetuju dengan daftar masuk harian semasa musim sejuk. Tinggalkan nombor yang boleh mereka hubungi.
6. Jika kuasa atau pemanasan gagal, pindahkan orang itu ke rumah saudara yang hangat, pusat pemanasan atau tempat perlindungan lebih awal, dan bukannya menunggu sehingga rumah itu sangat sejuk.

Mengapa orang dewasa yang lebih tua lebih berisiko¶

Beberapa perubahan dengan usia menjadikan sejuk lebih sukar untuk dikendalikan. Tiada satu pun daripada mereka adalah kesalahan atau kegagalan. Mereka adalah perkara biasa, dan beberapa langkah mudah boleh melindungi daripadanya.

• Rasa sejuk yang lebih lemah. Orang tua selalunya tidak berasa sejuk sehingga suhu badan mereka turun. Mereka mungkin mengatakan mereka baik-baik saja sedangkan mereka tidak.
• Kurang haba badan. Jisim otot dan metabolisme menurun dengan usia, jadi badan menghasilkan kurang haba. Kulit yang lebih nipis dan kurang lemak badan memberikan kurang penebat.
• Menggigil lebih perlahan. Menggigil ialah cara utama badan menghasilkan haba dalam jangka pendek, dan pada orang dewasa yang lebih tua ia boleh menjadi lebih lemah atau mungkin berhenti lebih awal.
• Poorer circulation. Narrowed blood vessels, heart disease, diabetes and certain medicines reduce blood flow to the skin and extremities.
• Keadaan perubatan. Penyakit jantung, penyakit paru-paru, masalah tiroid, diabetes, penyakit Parkinson, demensia, strok dan arthritis semuanya meningkatkan risiko. Penyakit dan jangkitan boleh mengubah kawalan suhu.
• Medicines. Some medicines for sleep, anxiety, depression, allergies, high blood pressure and mental health affect how the body senses or handles temperature, and some cause dizziness or confusion.
• Limited mobility and isolation. People who cannot move easily, who live alone or who rarely go out may not notice a cold house, and they may not be able to get help.
• Cost worries. Many older adults keep heating low to save money, and some skip meals or medicine to pay for energy. This is a leading cause of cold related illness.
• Alcohol. A drink can feel warming but speeds heat loss.

Cold related deaths in winter are often due to heart attack, stroke and lung infection, not only hypothermia. Cold raises blood pressure and makes blood more likely to clot, so heart and circulation problems rise sharply in cold weather. The National Health Service (United Kingdom), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (United States) and Health Canada all warn about these indoor risks.

Indoor hypothermia¶

Hypothermia means the body's core temperature has dropped below 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit). It can occur indoors in a cool home, especially over several days, and it can build slowly so that no one notices. The person may seem tired, quiet or confused, and families may blame age or illness.

Warning signs¶

Because older adults may not shiver, absence of shivering does not mean they are fine. Look for other signs such as cold skin on the stomach or back, confusion, slow speech, unusual sleepiness or a strange change in behavior.

What to do¶

1. Call your local emergency number if you see signs beyond mild shivering, or if the person is confused, very sleepy, unresponsive or not shivering despite feeling cold.
2. Move the person to a warm room if you can do so gently. Do not allow them to walk if they are weak.
3. Remove wet clothing and replace it with dry layers. Wrap them in blankets, with a hat or cloth around the head and neck, and put insulation under them.
4. Give warm, sweet, non alcoholic drinks if they are awake and can swallow. Do not give food or drink to someone who is drowsy.
5. Place warm, not hot, water bottles wrapped in cloth against the chest, armpits and groin. Do not use a hot bath, heating pad on bare skin, or a hair dryer.
6. Handle gently and do not rub the arms or legs.
7. Stay with them and check breathing. If they are unresponsive and not breathing normally, start CPR. See CPR.

For full care steps read hypothermia and frostbite.

Safe temperatures at home¶

Health agencies give guidance on indoor temperatures. The World Health Organization and many national health services suggest that living rooms be kept at about 18 degrees Celsius (64 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher for healthy adults. Older people, those who are unwell, and those who are not very active may need it a little warmer, such as 20 to 21 degrees Celsius (68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit) in the room where they sit. Bedrooms are often advised at around 18 degrees Celsius (64 degrees Fahrenheit) or slightly cooler for sleep with warm bedding.

These figures are general. Use a simple room thermometer in the living area and in the bedroom, and do not trust how the room feels. A thermometer with large numbers helps people with poor sight.

Keeping a home warm without risk¶

• Heat the rooms that are used most, and close doors to others. It is better to heat one room well than to heat the whole house poorly.
• Stop drafts with draft excluders, tape and curtains. Keep curtains closed at dusk and open them during the day to let in sun.
• Use a thermostat set steadily, rather than turning heating on and off. Constant moderate heat is often cheaper than short bursts, and safer.
• Dress warmly indoors: several thin layers, a cardigan, socks, slippers, and a hat if the house is cold. Wear a hat in bed if needed.
• Use blankets and a hot water bottle wrapped in a cover, or a modern electric blanket that is in good condition and is used according to the instructions. Do not use an electric blanket that is old, frayed or damaged, and do not use one if the person is incontinent or has dementia without medical advice.
• Sit with the legs raised and covered, and avoid sitting still for long periods. Stand up and move every hour.
• Eat regular hot meals and warm drinks. Food gives the body fuel for heat.
• Avoid alcohol, which causes heat loss and increases the risk of falls.

Checking on neighbors¶

Many older adults live alone, and some have no family nearby. A simple check by a neighbor can be the difference between a minor problem and a tragedy. Cold snaps, storms and power outages are the times when checks matter most.

How to check in kindly¶

1. Make a plan before the weather turns. Knock, introduce yourself, and offer your phone number. Ask whether they would like a daily call or visit during cold weather, and who else should be contacted in a crisis.
2. Agree on a signal. For example, a blind raised in the morning, a phone call at a set time, or a card in the window. If the signal is missing, someone checks.
3. Call first if you can. A call lets the person speak without feeling intruded on, and you can tell if their speech is slurred or they are confused.
4. Visit in person during emergencies. Knock, wait patiently, and speak clearly. Some people take time to get to the door.
5. Ask open questions. How warm is the house? Do you have heat and power? Have you eaten today? Do you have your medicines? Have you fallen?
6. Look for signs. Is the house cold, with the heating off? Is mail or snow piling up? Are curtains still closed in the afternoon? Is there a smell of gas or smoke?
7. Offer practical help. Offer to shop, clear snow, collect medicine, charge a phone or move them to a warmer place.
8. Respect independence. Offer rather than insist, and avoid talking down to the person. Many people are proud, and they are more likely to accept help from someone who treats them as an equal.

If no one answers¶

• Call the person on the phone and any known contacts, such as family, a caregiver or a friend.
• Look through the window and listen from the door for sounds of distress, calls for help, or a television running all day.
• Periksa pemegang kunci atau kunci ganti jika anda telah diberi, tetapi jangan masuk ke rumah yang berbau gas atau asap, atau di mana anda mengesyaki karbon monoksida.
• Jika anda bimbang, hubungi nombor kecemasan tempatan anda dan minta pemeriksaan kebajikan. Beritahu mereka apa yang anda tahu: umur orang itu, kesihatan, berapa lama sejak dihubungi, dan sebarang tanda.
• Jangan menceroboh masuk melainkan anda melihat seseorang dalam masalah yang jelas dan tidak boleh menunggu. Beri butiran kepada penghantar terlebih dahulu.

Rangkaian komuniti¶

Sesetengah kawasan kejiranan menjalankan program kapten blok, skim daftar masuk sukarela dan pendaftaran penduduk yang memerlukan sokongan. Lihat pelan kapten blok bantuan bersama CERT kejiranan dan pendaftaran jiran yang terdedah. Tanya kerajaan tempatan, pusat kanan, komuniti agama, perpustakaan dan badan amal tentang perkhidmatan daftar masuk, makanan dihantar ke pintu dan pasukan jangkauan musim sejuk. Di United Kingdom, Age UK dan majlis tempatan menjalankan skim. Di Amerika Syarikat dan Kanada, program Agensi Kawasan tempatan mengenai Penuaan dan Makanan di atas Roda selalunya menyertakan pemeriksaan kesihatan.

Program bantuan pemanasan mengikut negara¶

Kebimbangan wang adalah sebab utama orang dewasa yang lebih tua menjadikan rumah terlalu sejuk. Bantuan wujud, tetapi program dan peraturan sering berubah, jadi semak butiran semasa dengan sumber rasmi. Panggilan telefon ke pusat kanan tempatan, organisasi komuniti atau pejabat perkhidmatan sosial adalah permulaan yang baik. Jangan tunggu sehingga haba terputus untuk meminta pertolongan.

Di Amerika Syarikat¶

• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). A federal program that helps eligible households pay heating and cooling bills, and in some places helps with emergency repairs and crisis situations. Apply through your state or local energy assistance office. Dialing 211 connects you to local services in many areas.
• Weatherization Assistance Program. Helps eligible households make homes more energy efficient through insulation, sealing and heating system repairs.
• Utility protections and payment plans. Many states restrict winter shutoffs for customers who are older or seriously ill, and many utilities offer budget billing, discounts and medical certificate programs. Call your utility before you fall behind and ask.
• Local help. Area Agencies on Aging, community action agencies, faith groups, the Salvation Army and similar charities often give emergency fuel or bill help.

In Canada¶

• Provinces and territories run their own programs, such as low income energy assistance, home energy efficiency grants, and winter heating benefits. Utility companies often run hardship funds. Check your provincial government website, your utility and local community services.
• Faedah warga emas persekutuan dan wilayah, kredit cukai dan program perumahan mungkin menawarkan sokongan. Perkhidmatan Kanada dan wilayah anda boleh memberitahu anda yang berkenaan.
• Health Canada memberikan nasihat tentang keselamatan cuaca sejuk dan karbon monoksida.

In the United Kingdom¶

• Winter Fuel Payment and Cold Weather Payment. These government payments have eligibility rules that have changed in recent years, so check the current rules on the GOV.UK website.
• Diskaun Rumah Hangat. Diskaun pada bil elektrik untuk isi rumah yang layak, melalui pembekal yang mengambil bahagian.
• Priority Services Register. Free service from your energy supplier and network operator that gives extra support during power cuts to people who are older, disabled or who depend on medical equipment. Ask your supplier to add you.
• Energy efficiency and grants. Schemes and local authority programs help with insulation and heating upgrades.
• Charities such as Age UK, Citizens Advice and local councils give free advice on benefits and bills, and sometimes grants.

In Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere¶

• Ireland offers a fuel allowance and other support through the Department of Social Protection, and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland runs energy upgrade schemes.
• Australia has state based energy concessions and rebates for pensioners and seniors. Check your state government and energy retailer.
• New Zealand offers a Winter Energy Payment to eligible people and insulation programs through government agencies.
• In the European Union, support differs by country. Look for national or local heating allowances, social tariffs, and energy poverty measures. Your local municipality, social services and consumer advice center can help.
• In other countries, contact local government, social services, faith groups and charities. Even where no formal program exists, community groups often provide blankets, fuel and meals during cold spells.

Tips for getting help¶

1. Gather basic documents: ID, proof of income, recent energy bills and proof of age or disability.
2. Ask a trusted relative, neighbor or caseworker to help with forms.
3. Call your energy supplier before you miss payments and ask about hardship programs.
4. Apply early in the season, since funds can run out.
5. Beware of scams. Never give bank details to a caller or visitor who says they are from a heating assistance scheme, and do not pay up front for government grants. Use official websites and phone numbers.

Food, medicine and health in the cold¶

Food and fluids¶

Older adults may not feel thirsty or hungry in the cold, but the body still needs fuel and fluid. Aim for regular hot meals, soups and warm drinks, and keep non perishable food in the house in case of storms. Consider home delivery of meals if shopping is hard. Check that the fridge and freezer are working, and that food that has been without power is safe. See spoiled food and fridge power outage.

Medicines¶

• Keep at least one to two weeks of medicines at home in winter if the prescriber allows, and keep a list of what is taken. Request refills before storms.
• Know which medicines need refrigeration, such as insulin, and have a plan for power outages. See temperature sensitive medications in a power outage.
• Keep a clear medicine routine, and avoid double doses or missed doses. See polypharmacy and pill organizer errors.
• Ask a pharmacist or doctor whether any of your medicines make you more sensitive to cold or more likely to fall.
• Get your seasonal vaccines, such as influenza and others that your health service recommends, to reduce winter illness.

Medical equipment¶

If someone depends on oxygen, a ventilator, a CPAP machine, a powered bed or a dialysis machine, tell the utility in advance, keep backup batteries or tanks, and have a plan to move to a safe place if the power fails. See bekalan elektrik terputus untuk penumpu oksigen, ventilator dan CPAP. Never smoke or use open flames near oxygen.

Falls, snow and ice¶

Falls are the leading cause of injury in older adults, and winter ice increases the risk. A broken hip or a head injury can change an older person's life, and people on blood thinners can bleed inside the head even after a mild knock. Stay inside on icy days when possible, arrange deliveries, and wear boots with good grip and a cane with an ice tip if needed. If a fall happens, read slipping on ice: how to fall and when to seek care dan elderly fall recovery when unable to stand.

Do not let an older person with heart disease shovel snow. See shoveling snow safely, and arrange for help clearing paths and steps.

Dementia and wandering in cold weather¶

People with dementia may wander outside in thin clothing and become lost or hypothermic within an hour. Install door alarms or chimes, keep a recent photo and an ID bracelet, and tell neighbors who to call if they see the person outside. If someone wanders in freezing weather, call your local emergency number at once, because the risk rises quickly. See wandering senior in freezing or heatwave weather dan dementia wandering and missing senior.

Power outages and winter storms¶

An outage in winter is a major risk for older adults. Plan before the storm.

• Talk through what you will do if power fails: where to go, who to call and how to get there.
• Simpan radio bateri, obor (lampu suluh), bateri ganti, bank kuasa untuk telefon, pakaian hangat, selimut dan beg tidur.
• Keep a list of medicines, doctors and emergency contacts in a wallet and on the fridge. See penjana kad hubungan kecemasan.
• Jangan gunakan penjana di dalam, dan letakkan penggera karbon monoksida berkuasa bateri di dalam rumah. Lihat keselamatan penjana.
• Keluar awal jika rumah semakin sejuk. Jangan tunggu sehingga ia berbahaya.
• Selepas ribut, periksa paip dan pemanasan dengan teliti sebelum memulihkan haba biasa. Lihat ribut ais, anggota pokok dan memulihkan haba dengan selamat dan winter power outages and prolonged blackouts.

Decision flow for checking on an older neighbor¶

flowchart TD
    A["Cold weather or power cut"] --> B["Call the older neighbor"]
    B --> C{"Do they answer and sound clear?"}
    C -->|"No answer"| D["Visit and knock<br/>and call their contacts"]
    C -->|"Confused or slurred"| E["Call emergency number<br/>and go to them"]
    C -->|"ya"| F{"Is the home warm<br/>and do they have food?"}
    D --> G{"Still no answer<br/>and you are worried?"}
    G -->|"ya"| H["Call emergency number<br/>and ask for a welfare check"]
    G -->|"Tidak"| F
    F -->|"Tidak"| I["Help move them to warmth<br/>or arrange heat and food"]
    F -->|"ya"| J["Agree on the next check<br/>and share your number"]

Comparing ways to stay warm at home¶

Checklist for a safe winter home¶

• Room thermometer in the living area and bedroom, set to at least 18 degrees Celsius (64 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Working carbon monoxide alarm and smoke alarm, tested this month.
• Heating serviced this year, and chimney or flue checked if used.
• Draft proofing, curtains, blankets, hat and warm socks ready.
• At least a week of food, and medicines refilled.
• Phone charged, list of contacts and a power bank.
• A neighbor or relative who will check in daily during cold weather.
• Details of heating assistance and the utility's priority list.
• A plan for where to go if the heat or power fails.
• Grip boots, ice tip cane, and help with snow and ice clearing.

Supporting a family member from a distance¶

Many families live far from their older relatives. You cannot check a thermostat from another city, but you can set up a system that gives early warning. Start with a conversation before winter about what the person wants and what worries them, and agree on a few routines that feel respectful rather than controlling.

• Arrange a regular call at a fixed time each day in cold weather, and agree what you will do if it is missed.
• Ask a trusted neighbor, friend or local volunteer to be a second contact, and give them your number.
• Consider a smart thermostat or a simple temperature sensor that sends an alert to your phone if the home falls below a set temperature. Ask the person for permission first, and explain what is being monitored.
• Consider a personal alarm or fall detector that can call for help, and check that it is charged and worn.
• Arrange grocery and medicine delivery, and meal services, so that the person does not have to go out on ice.
• Pay or help with energy bills if you can, and help to apply for assistance. Many older adults are reluctant to ask.
• Visit before the cold arrives to check alarms, draft proofing, heating, ice grips for boots and the stock of food and medicine.
• Keep contact details for the person's doctor, pharmacy and neighbors with you, and learn who holds a spare key.

Jika anda tidak dapat menghubungi orang itu dan bimbang, hubungi jiran terlebih dahulu, kemudian hubungi nombor kecemasan tempatan anda dan minta pemeriksaan kebajikan. Beri penghantar alamat, umur orang itu, sebarang keadaan kesihatan dan masa hubungan terakhir.

Soalan lazim¶

What temperature should an older adult keep their home?¶

Many health services advise at least 18 degrees Celsius (64 degrees Fahrenheit) in the rooms where people spend time, and a little warmer, around 20 to 21 degrees Celsius (68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit), for people who are frail, unwell or not very active. Use a room thermometer rather than relying on how the room feels. Move the person to a warmer place if the home cannot be kept warm.

What are the signs of hypothermia in an older person?¶

Look for cold skin, tiredness, slurred speech, confusion, clumsiness, a puffy pale face, slow movement and slow breathing, and note that shivering may be weak or absent. Call your local emergency number if the person is confused, very drowsy or unresponsive. Warm them gently with dry layers and blankets while you wait.

How can I help an older neighbor without being intrusive?¶

Introduce yourself before bad weather, share your number, and offer a regular phone call or a signal such as a blind raised in the morning. Offer help with shopping, snow and warm meals, and let the person decide what they want. If you cannot reach them and you are worried, call your local emergency number and ask for a welfare check.

Where can I find help paying for heating?¶

Start with your energy supplier and your local senior center or social services office, which can point you to current programs. Examples include LIHEAP and weatherization in the United States, provincial energy programs in Canada, and Warm Home Discount, Cold Weather Payment and the Priority Services Register in the United Kingdom. Check the official government website for current rules, and do not give bank details to anyone who calls or visits unasked.

Sumber disemak¶

This guide was checked against the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (United States) pages on cold weather and older adults, the National Institute on Aging (United States) cold weather safety advice, Ready.gov and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (United States) winter storm guidance, the Administration for Children and Families guidance on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, the National Weather Service (United States) wind chill pages, the American Red Cross winter safety advice, the National Health Service (United Kingdom) pages on keeping warm and hypothermia, the UK Health Security Agency cold weather guidance, GOV.UK pages on winter payments and the Warm Home Discount, Age UK winter advice, the Met Office (United Kingdom) winter pages, Health Canada pages on extreme cold and older adults, and the World Health Organization housing and health guidance. Program rules change, so verify them with the official source.

Belajar pertolongan cemas¶

Kursus pertolongan cemas amali mengajar anda untuk mengenali hipotermia, bertindak balas terhadap jatuh dan melakukan CPR dengan yakin. Palang Merah, St John Ambulans dan penyedia tempatan menawarkan kursus yang sesuai dengan orang dewasa yang lebih tua dan penjaga keluarga. Ambil satu dengan orang yang berkongsi rumah anda atau tinggal berdekatan.

Panduan berkaitan¶

• Perancangan kecemasan orang dewasa yang lebih tua
• Hipotermia dan radang dingin
• Pemadaman kuasa untuk penumpu oksigen, ventilator dan CPAP
• Warga emas jatuh pulih apabila tidak dapat berdiri
• Keselamatan ribut musim sejuk: pemanasan rumah dan kelangsungan hidup sejuk