As much as the Winter can be a wonderful time of year, it also comes with several seasonal hazards due to the cold weather and dense precipitation. The cold can have quite an impact on a person, especially if they are unprepared. As your loved ones age, taking the necessary precautions when Winter approaches is important to ensure their safety.
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Here are five precautions to take this Winter to help the seniors in your family stay in good health:
1. Rethink Decorating
According to the Mayo Clinic, excessive decorations that make noise or flash may cause disorientation if your loved one requires Alzheimer’s care. Decorations that resemble food and candles may also potentially be safety hazards. When decorating your home, be aware of these risk factors and replace them. For example, wax candles can easily be replaced with electronic ones.
2. Watch out for Black Ice
Winter slips are a serious concern for seniors. While we can recover from a spill relatively quickly when we’re young, seniors can face significant health complications when they fall. Care.com recommends ensuring everyone in your family wears shoes with good traction and replacing worn cane tips with fresh ones with a stronger grip. Remember to shovel walkways and driveways regularly to help prevent ice from forming.
“Stockpile warm blankets, batteries, flashlights, and nonperishable food items so that you can weather a power outage safely.”
3. Stockpile Supplies
Winter storms and heavy winds can cause lengthy power outages during the cold season. Under these circumstances, it’s important to be properly equipped with supplies so you and your loved ones can stay warm and fed. Stockpile warm blankets, batteries, flashlights, and nonperishable food items to weather a power outage safely. Remember that even if you’re indoors, without heat, you’ll likely need more layers to stay warm.
4. Dress Warmly When Outdoors
Exposure to cold temperatures for long periods can lead to frostbite or hypothermia. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that all hypothermia-related deaths are preventable when proper measures are taken. When outdoors with your senior loved one, be aware of signs of hypothermia and minimize the risk by ensuring they dress appropriately for the weather. Ensure you and your loved one wear layered clothing, a hat, gloves, and thick socks to stay warm. Avoid staying outside for extended durations, especially on windy days.
5. Prepare Your Car for the Winter
Winter can be challenging for your car, and there’s always the possibility of getting stuck in heavy snow or your battery dying due to the low temperature. You don’t want to be unprepared if you and your loved one get stranded in your car somewhere. If you get stuck, pack your trunk with tire chains, jumper cables, flares, blankets, a shovel, and a first aid kit. Keep the gas tank full and keep your cellphone on you in case you need to call a tow truck or emergency services.
