The Optimal Temperature Range for an Aging Adult’s Home

By 9  am on

The Safest Temperature for an Older Adult's Home in Winnipeg, MB

Many seniors spend the majority of their time at home, and your aging loved one’s home should be a safe haven during times of inclement weather. The issues with health begin when a senior’s home environment reaches a temperature that’s either too hot or too cold for the body to function normally. As a caregiver, it’s important to know about the safest temperature for your loved one’s home.

Staying Safe in Winter

The winter is a time when older adults are vulnerable to the effects of extremely frigid temperatures. Ideally, your loved one’s home shouldn’t have a temperature that falls below 18 degrees Celsius (64.4 degrees Fahrenheit). Once the indoor temperature dips below this level, a senior’s body may have difficulty keeping warm. The elderly are also vulnerable to respiratory distress when the air is so cold that it irritates the sinus passages and lungs. Keep in mind this is merely the lowest temperature your loved one’s home should reach. Many seniors prefer their homes to be much warmer. Your loved one should also have supplies on hand to stay warmer during bouts of colder temperatures. Blankets and warm clothing can be added as layers your loved one can put on or take off to regulate his or her body temperature. Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted senior care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Home Care Assistance is here to help.

Staying Cool During the Summer

There’s also a maximum temperature a senior’s home should reach. This is around 25.5 degrees Celsius (78 degrees Fahrenheit). Above this point, a senior may begin to experience the symptoms of heat distress. Once again, it’s important to remember this is the hottest an elderly person’s home should be. Seniors who tend to feel chilled easily may prefer their homes to be in the upper range of these temperatures, but they should be on guard for signs of heat stroke, such as feeling dizzy, clammy, or nauseated if they cannot get their homes’ temperature below this point. You should also educate your loved one regarding the possible dangers of overheating and dehydration. Living alone at home in the golden years can present a few unique challenges. Trust Winnipeg senior care professionals to help your senior loved one maintain a higher quality of life while he or she manages an illness and performs the daily tasks of living.

Keeping Home Temperatures Stable

Everyone is different, which means the best temperature for seniors is more of a range between 18 and 25.5 degrees Celsius. Talk to your loved one to find out where his or her comfort range falls, and take steps to keep the home at that temperature. Your loved one’s home may need to have the windows and doors sealed periodically. If the home has an HVAC system, make sure it’s in good condition.

Creating a Safety Plan for Emergencies

A senior whose home’s temperature falls out of the safe range is in danger when the weather is severe. Make sure your loved one has supplies to stay comfortable until help arrives. These supplies will vary depending on the season. For instance, your loved one may need water to stay hydrated in the summer and a jacket to warm up during the winter. Your loved one should have at least three people to call or go to if he or she gets stuck in a home that’s dangerously out of the safe temperature zone. If your loved one has difficulty maintaining a healthy, comfortable home environment, hiring a professional caregiver can be the ideal solution. For many seniors in Winnipeg, MB, live-in care is an essential component of aging in place safely and comfortably. However, it’s important for them to have caregivers they can trust and rely on. At Home Care Assistance, we extensively screen all of our live-in and 24-hour caregivers and only hire those who have experience in the senior home care industry. Our strict requirements ensure seniors can remain in the comfort of home with a reduced risk of injury or serious illness. If your loved one needs assistance with the challenges of aging, reach out to one of our knowledgeable, compassionate Care Managers today at (204) 489-6000.

Request Free Information or
Schedule a Free in-Home Consultation