Hill Country Heights Nursing & Rehabilitation is a skilled nursing home in Copperas Cove, TX, and serves Copperas Cove and the surrounding areas with short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, post-hospital care, a compassionate, safe space for memory care, and respite care for seniors. Because even Texans have to worry about occasional cold weather, it’s important to understand the symptoms associated with hypothermia. Here’s

how to recognize the signs of hypothermia and some tips for staying safe during the cold weather, no matter how old you are.

What is hypothermia?

Hypothermia is what happens when your body temperature gets very low. For an older person, a body temperature of 95°F or lower can cause many health problems, such as a heart attack, kidney problems, liver damage, or worse.

What are the warning signs of hypothermia?

Early signs of hypothermia:

• Cold feet and hands

• Puffy or swollen face

• Pale skin

• Shivering (in some cases the person with hypothermia does not shiver)

• Slower than normal speech or slurring words

• Acting sleepy

• Being angry or confused

Later signs of hypothermia:

• Moving slowly, trouble walking, or being clumsy

• Stiff and jerky arm or leg movements

• Slow heartbeat

• Slow, shallow breathing

• Blacking out or losing consciousness

How to reduce your risk of hypothermia.

• Keep warm inside by setting your heat to at least 68–70°F

• Dress warmly, even if you’re staying inside

• Eat enough food to keep up your weight.

• If you experience a power outage, try to stay with a friend or relative.

Remember: If you think someone has hypothermia, call 911 immediately.

The Touchstone Difference

Hill Country Heights Nursing & Rehabilitation strives to Make Lives Better for the Copperas Cove, TX, community by providing best-in-class short-term care, a compassionate, safe space for memory care, long-term care, rehab after a hospital stay and respite care. No matter your needs, we can help you create a customized plan of care that helps you reach your goals. To schedule a tour or learn more about respite care services, contact the team at Hill Country Heights Nursing & Rehab today.