Elderly people are more vulnerable to temperature changes and cold weather. Besides causing the common cold, these changes can result in respiratory problems and increase their risk of stroke and heart attack. For those reasons, it's critical to know the right home temperature for elderly people as well as how to maintain it.
What's the Right Home Temperature For an Elderly Person?
The temperature inside a home with an elderly person shouldn't go below 68 degrees. Changes in the body caused by aging can make it harder for people to know when they're getting cold. Even a temperature of between 60 degrees and 65 degrees may not be warm enough to keep elderly people safe.
A chill can turn into a serious problem even before older people realize what's happening to their bodies. A low body temperature can make them experience health issues like:
- Heart attack
- Liver damage
- Kidney problems
It's recommended that you set your house to at least 68 to 70 degrees.
How to Maintain the Ideal Indoor Temperature
Keeping your home at the right temperature takes much more than just setting the thermostat. For instance, if you set a poorly insulated home to 70 degrees, the high heat loss may make the living space not get sufficiently warm.
Here are some tips to help maintain an elderly person's home at the right temperature:
- Increase the amount of insulation in the attic, walls, and under floors.
- Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal gaps around windows to prevent outdoor air from flowing into your home.
- Draft-proof your doors with weatherstripping and door sweeps.
- Keep curtains and blinds closed.
Elderly people need special care due to the changes in their bodies, so it's important for them to be provided with the right home temperature. If you need help with any home-comfort issues, contact us at Hartman Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning. We help homeowners in the Fort Wayne area keep every member of their families safe and comfortable throughout the year.