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The rate of deaths during winter months especially for people aged between 65 and above is increasing at a high rate compared to other months. Most of the older people in Britain occupy sub-standard housing. Older people are more likely in winter compared to summer. Common causes of death include respiratory diseases and influenza related illnesses. For this specific group, the link between poor health and housing is very strong. Therefore, in order to reduce the rate of deaths during this season, the housing situation in care homes should be highly monitored. There are several ways to prevent the increase in winter deaths in care homes, which include; 1.Keeping the rooms warm with efficient heating system The temperature in the living room should be kept at 21 degrees celcius(70F) and in the bedrooms and the other rooms in the homes, the temperature should be 18 degrees celcius (65F). However, temperatures above this leads to wastage of money but if kept below may risk the health of the people in the homes.If it is not possible to keep all the rooms at the specified temperature, the living room should be heated most of the day and as for the bedrooms, just before the occupants go to bed. The curtains should also be kept closed in order to minimize heat loss in the house and the radiators should not be blocked by any furniture or curtains. 2. Immunization The occupants of the home should be immunized against flu. When temperatures are low and doors and windows are closed, virus concentration may increase leading to infections such as flu hence immunization against it goes a long away in protecting the health of the occupants. 3. Heat waste should be reduced Measures should also be taken to ensure that heat loss is minimized by means such as fitting the draught proofing to block any gaps that might be around the windows and doors .mini-draughts should be avoided. Key holes should also be protected using keyhole covers. Draught excluders can also be used. Unused rooms should also be closed to minimize heat loss. 4. Proper nutrition Food is an important source of energy. The people in the care homes should have hot meals and drinks at regular times throughout the day. The diet should also include foods that boost the immune system such as those high in antioxidants, protein and fibre, and also those high in vitamins B,C,D and E and low in sugars and fat. 5. Warm clothing It is important that the occupants of the care home should have warm clothing throughout the day and night .Their clothing should be layered and the shoes should have a good grip .For those with respiratory and heart problems, it is recommended that they should stay indoors during the cold period. 6. Treating infections and diseases straight away If any of the occupants show signs of cold or any other related infections, they should be treated right away and if the infection or disease is contagious they should be separated from the other occupants until they are fully recovered. This reduces the spread of diseases and minimizes death rate .
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