Hanam-si, Focused Prevention of Cold Wave Damage for Health-Vulnerable Elderly

Strengthening Home Health Care for 3,509 Vulnerable Individuals
Guidance and Education on Cold Wave Response Measures

Hanam City, Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Lee Hyun-jae) has strengthened its home health care services to focus on preventing cold wave damage among elderly people vulnerable to health risks this winter's severe cold wave.

Hanam City is strengthening home health care to prevent cold wave damage among elderly people vulnerable to health risks this winter. Photo by Hanam City

Climatologists have warned that the winter of 2024 may see Siberian cold air sweeping into the Korean Peninsula, causing temperatures to drop below minus 18 degrees Celsius. Elderly people, who are vulnerable to health risks, face increased danger of cold-related illnesses due to reduced physical adaptability to sudden cold.

To prepare for this, Hanam City will provide home health care services from November 15, 2024, to March 15, 2025, targeting 3,509 registered elderly individuals as of November 11, 2024, during the cold wave response period.

The dedicated home health care team consists of 11 members, including 10 nurses and 1 physical activity specialist, who will visit homes to directly check health conditions such as blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Additionally, cold wave response supplies will be distributed, and education on cold wave response actions and prevention of cold-related illnesses will be conducted. Group health management education for cold wave response will also be provided through senior centers.

An official from Hanam City Public Health Center stated, “Since a severe cold wave is expected this winter, we will do our best to prevent damage to elderly people living alone and vulnerable groups by continuously carrying out focused preventive activities through visiting nurses.”