The impacts of the winter months can be devastating for those who are vulnerable to the cold weather, especially those living with the horrific effects of a stroke. A cold home will only exasperate these difficulties but there are some helpful tips that could help you and anyone else you know living in this situation.
What is a Stroke?
Strokes happen when the flow of blood to a specific part of your brain stops. It impacts speech, movement, and can take a significant amount of time to recover from. If a stroke happens, it is urgent that medical assistance is acquired in hospital as it is seriously life-threatening.
How Does a Cold Home Affect a Stroke?
Hospitals see a rise in the admissions of stroke patients typically five days after the cold weather starts! Strokes are capable of causing major life-altering effects on your body – from physical impairments to cognitive challenges.
A cold home worsens the impact of a stroke and can lead to a lot of complications:
Impaired Circulation and Increased Health Issue Risks: Following a stroke, a lot of strain will occur on the circulatory system. The body’s ability to control its blood flow and maintain a comfortable circulation flow will already be in a dire situation. Cold environments will constrict blood vessels which hinders blood circulation. This can lead to blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, and even the risk of another stroke. Blood pressure will also be raised, placing a higher chance of having another cardiovascular event on the sufferer.
Muscle Stiffness and Reduced Mobility: Cold environments can cause muscle stiffness in stroke survivors, especially those that are dealing with paralysis or weakness on one side of the body. Muscles and joints will contract, worsening discomfort, stiffness, and mobility issues which will then lead to a delayed recovery.
Mental Health Risks: Many stroke survivors are at a higher risk of depression and living in a cold home increases feelings of isolation and mental distress. This can lead to cognitive decline which would be an issue for post-stroke cognitive difficulties.
Tips for Managing a Stroke in a Cold Home
Heated Home: Ensure your home is comfortably heated, aiming for a temperature between 18°C and 21°C.
Insulate your home: Having a home that is insulated well is the best way of retaining the heat you generate. However little changes can also be added like; draft proofing doors and around windows. This can be done with draft excluders and seal tape. Thermal curtains are also ideal for keeping the heat in during the night when it gets colder.
Layer Up at Home: Warm layers are the perfect answer to keeping warm inside! Lightweight layers can help keep body temperatures comfortable without making it hard to move.
Energy Support for People Suffering from a Stroke
Living after suffering from a stroke is a challenge that does not require further problems getting in the way – a cold home would be one of these problems. Improving the warmth of your home can significantly ease the challenges of recovering from a stroke.
You may find that your home is not efficient enough to keep warm but through government backed energy upgrades, you can improve it’s energy efficiency for absolutely free when you qualify with a medical referral.
Enjoy independent electricity with solar panels, renewable and comfortable heat with an air source heat pump, and keep that heat in with insulation.
These renewable energy additions are capable of saving households hundreds of pounds every year and taking a lot of pressure off energy bills.
If you or someone you know has suffered from a stroke, they will qualify for these energy grants. Click below to find out more.
