How to support someone in Winter with Dementia

As an Amazon Associate my posts contain affiliate links that include Amazon and Awin . If you make a purchase through my links I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps to support my site so I can continue to offer great content to you

Supporting someone in winter season with dementia is often a worry for carer’s. The worry of keeping warm, becoming unwell and cost of bills is something all too common.

As we get older it can become harder to fight off the winter bugs. Someone with dementia and their carers can find this time of year more challenging. Cold weather and temperatures can often make symptoms worse and struggle to communicate what they are struggling with. What’s more, they may not even recognise themselves that they are cold. For carers too, it can become a more isolating and demanding time of year.

This blog will cover some tips that can help anyone who is supporting someone with Dementia to survive the cold weather seasons.

Things that often come naturally to us such as turning the heating up or putting on weather appropriate clothing does not come naturally to someone with dementia; nor the understanding when someone else tries to do this for them.

House Preparations for Winter

As the summer draws to a close and the nights start drawing in with temperatures dropping, it’s advisable to start thinking about getting the central heating serviced and ready for the winter months.

Set the temperature setting and timings for winter. 20 degrees is a good baseline. Older people generally feel the cold more easily and struggle to regulate their body temperature.

Anyone with Dementia will not be aware of the cold. A higher consistent setting for winter will be beneficial.

If you are not always there to check on the house temperatures, you can get a home monitoring system that will track the temperature in the house and send an alert if it falls below a certain point.

Changing the bedding over to the winter layers such as a winter duvet and warmer sheets to help keep warm at night. If curtains have been changed for summer then this is the time to change over to warmer curtains.

If you have a log burner, oil heating or coal fire then its best to stock up on these fuels before the winter to get the cheaper summer prices.

Check for any draughts. For someone with Dementia, they will not be aware of draughts and can often leave doors or windows open.

If an electric blanket is used, check for any damage or faults before use. There are some very good electric blankets with timers on that be used on the bed or chair to keep nice and warm. There are also great electric foot warmers with timers that are brilliant when sat on the chair or sofa.

Get out the warm blankets, throws and hot water bottles for winter. Check the hot water bottles are safe to use. It is best not to leave someone with dementia with a hot water bottle if they are on their own. However putting one in their bed before bedtime and then taking it out when they go to bed is a good idea.

Warm Clothing for someone with Dementia

Anyone with Dementia in winter will not understand that they need to wear warm clothing. They will need help to dress appropriately and some may not even know how to dress themselves at all. Helping them to dress where possible is crucial to keeping warm through the winter months.

Sometimes leaving out clothes such as over an armchair that they are familiar with can help as it may prompt them to put it on.

Warm socks and slippers that are easy to put on and off are essential. For men, it is often easier to wear jogger bottoms as they are easier to put on and off. Women tend to prefer warm leggings or trousers. Whatever they prefer to wear, overall extra layers are needed.

Having Dementia can lead to some challenging behaviours that are a worry in winter months such as undressing and resisting any support offered to keep them clothed and warm.

Supporting them in making their own choices by offering a selection of weather appropriate clothing is helpful. Too many choices can be confusing so 2 or 3 items is best. As long as it is not harmful to them, an unusual choice of clothing is okay.

Clothing with large neck space and arm openings are helpful if it is a challenge to dress and undress. Velcro fastenings or poppers rather than buttons can help. If they can be as independent as possible then it can encourage them to dress themselves.

Nightwear should be both warm and comfortable. Fleecy or cotton materials are better for maintaining body heat. Bed socks are also a very good idea if they will wear them. Wearing what they feel comfortable and familiar in is best.

For someone with dementia, going outside, it is important to wear gloves, hat and scarf and appropriate non slip footwear. A lot of heat is lost through the head. Get out their favourite or familiar coat to wear. Familiarity is the key for someone with dementia.

Supporting someone with Dementia – Self Care in Winter

Supporting someone with dementia in winter can be very worrying. Vulnerability to getting unwell and ability to fight off colds in winter is difficult for elderly. Someone with dementia may find it difficult to understand and communicate that they are unwell.

Supporting them to get their vaccinations annually and in time for winter is advisable. A high percentage of those with dementia and elderly are admitted to hospital with flu.

Check with their GP for eligibility for the vaccine. Eligibility can vary from area to area, however information is available at both surgeries and pharmacists. Vaccinations for Covid, Shingles, Flu and Pneumonia are also available.

Stocking up on cold and sore throat remedies is a good strategy to help stay well during winter. If the weather is bad it can stop you going out. Staying indoors and keeping warm if you are feeling under the weather is best. Stocking up on remedies is a good idea.

Eating Warm Foods in Winter

Supporting someone with Dementia to eat well and keep hydrated can be difficult at times but its good to keep a routine as best you can.

Warming foods such as soup and stews and hot drinks like tea and hot chocolate can help keep them warm. Try and have some ready meals in the fridge or freezer that they can heat up themselves if they cannot cook for themselves. If this is not an option, consider accessing a meals on wheels service from your local council or a private company.

Check out whether there are any day centres that they may like to attend locally. Winter can be a lonely time for many. Going to a day centre can ensure that they are somewhere warm, socialising with others and getting a hot meal and drinks.

Stocking up the cupboard with essentials in case the weather is too bad to go out or illness is a good preparation for winter.

If it is difficult to get them to sit down and eat a meal, snacking during the day can help keep energy levels up and is better than no food at all.

Cost of Winter

Winter is an expensive time of year. Worrying about someone with dementia in winter and the cost of keeping them warm and well is expected for many.

If you are worrying about the money or struggling to pay heating and food bills its a good idea to check that they are receiving the benefits they are entitled to and if you are a spouse to check your entitlements.

There are a number of household help schemes run by local councils and government schemes available that can be accessed online to check eligibility and claim. Also contact your local council, Citizens Advice for assistance.

I do hope that some of my suggestions have been helpful. If you have any suggestions that have worked for you that I have not mentioned please share!! If you have like what you have read please subscribe to my newsletter to keep up to date with my other posts.