WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and SportsElderly at risk in extreme cold

Elderly at risk in extreme cold

MADISON (WKOW) -  If you have an elderly neighbor or loved one, you may want to check on them.

When it gets this cold, Kim Kristensen of Independent Healthcare Inc. says senior citizens are at high risk for hypothermia and not all senior citizens have homes that are warm enough.

"It's a very dangerous time for the elderly," said Kristensen. "Sometimes nowadays with the economy, some of the elderly don't have the money to have the heat, and so they turn their heater way down."

That can be dangerous and even deadly in extremely cold weather.

 "I have lung problems so this is really bad," said Janet Shaboz, who lives at the Monona Meadows Retirement Home. 

Shaboz says she has to be extra careful when she walks her dog.

"I have to wear a scarf or a mask around my mouth when I'm outside," said Shaboz.

But since she lives at a retirement home, the staff makes sure she's alright.

"It's the elderly that's out there that don't have that daily contact," said Kristensen. 

So Kristensen says, check on someone if they need it.

"You want to make sure that their house is it warm. That it's not cold in there," said Kristensen. "That you are not smelling any gas.  You want to remind them not to use the stove to heat their home. Also, make sure that they are feeling ok, that they are not confused or extremely tired and they are doing their normal routine." 

Make sure the heat's set between 68 -70 degrees, that blankets are tucked underneath doors and window sills. and curtains are closed. And if you have an elderly neighbor, maybe offer to shovel their snow, or get them their mail. It'll help them keep safe and out of the cold.

"We do have people that this cold weather effects a lot ," said Shaboz.

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MADISON (WKOW) -- With temperatures dropping below zero, you may want to check on your neighbors, especially if they are senior citizens.

Elderly are at high risk of hypothermia, even in their own home. Social workers say some cut corners to save money and don't have their heat set at a high enough level. 

Health officials say the combination of cold temperatures and high winds can increase the risk of developing hypothermia. Hypothermia is a condition of abnormally low body temperature. Exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster that it can be produced. Prolonged exposure to cold will eventually use up your body's stored energy. The result is hypothermia.

The warning signs associated with hypothermia include:
• Adults and Children: shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech and drowsiness.
• Infants: bright red or cold skin, very low energy.

If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, take the person's temperature - if below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, the situation is an emergency and you should get medical attention immediately.