DOH Issues Nursing Home Cold Weather Advisory
(Oct. 1, 2025) With the arrival of cold temperatures, nursing homes are encouraged to take the necessary precautions to ensure that residents are comfortable and safe throughout the winter months. Regulations at both the NYS (Title 10 of NY Codes, Rules, and Regulations (NYCRR) § 415.5) and federal (Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) § 483.10) levels require that nursing homes maintain comfortable and safe temperature levels within their facilities. For those residents who might be leaving the facility for any reason, including outside visits or community events, facilities must ensure that any health or safety issues associated with cold weather have been assessed and addressed.
During the colder weather months, many residents may be at risk for cold-related illnesses. Older residents and those with health problems such as diabetes and circulatory or thyroid diseases are at increased risk of developing hypothermia and frostbite. Regulations at Title 10 NYCRR Part 713 require nursing homes to be equipped with a heating system capable of maintaining all resident areas at a minimum temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit. However, occupied areas are not required to be kept at these temperatures if residents are comfortable at a lower temperature. If low room temperatures are identified, individual body temperatures should be monitored to ensure that there is no risk of hypothermia to the resident. Nursing homes should be cognizant of the needs and wishes of each resident and ensure that a safe and appropriate temperature is provided.
Cold-Related Illnesses
- Hypothermia:
- Definition: Core body temperature below 95 degrees Fahrenheit
- Early symptoms: Shivering, fatigue, confusion, loss of coordination
- Late symptoms: No shivering, blue skin, slowed pulse, unconsciousness
- Management: Move to a warm room, use blankets, seek medical attention
- Frostbite:
- Symptoms: Numbness; tingling; bluish or pale, waxy skin; reduced blood flow
- Management: Avoid rubbing affected areas, do not use direct heat sources, seek medical care
Additional information regarding steps to be taken by nursing homes in cold weather, steps to prevent hypothermia and frostbite, and symptoms of cold exposure and treatment can be found in the Department of Health's (DOH) Dear Administrator Letter (DAL) NH 25-16, issued on Oct. 1st. This information is to be posted in a conspicuous area in your facility that is accessible by both staff and residents.
If you have questions, please email nhinfo@health.ny.gov.
Contact: Amy Nelson, anelson@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8383 ext. 146