Winter safety tips for elderly
Extremely cold weather is especially dangerous for the elderly, who are more sensitive to cold temperatures. Icy sidewalks, hypothermia, and bodily injuries are also consequences of cold weather, making it critical for them to be extra cautious during the winter months. If you have elderly loved ones, neighbors, or friends, check in with them periodically and inform them of these cold weather safety tips so that they can stay safe in the bone-chilling season:
Prevent falls
Caregivers and families should clear snow and ice from walkways and steps around the senior's home. Warn elderly loved ones to be cautious of wet sidewalks, which could be covered in dangerous black ice.
Seniors should wear traction-enhancing footwear with non-slip soles and avoid going outside until the roads are clear. Seniors should also take off their shoes as soon as they come inside because snow and ice stick to the bottoms, making the floor slippery when it melts. It is recommended that those who walk with mobility aids switch to a pneumatic upright walker or a pneumatic rollator to provide additional anti-skid stability. Pneumatic tyres can pass over uneven terrain more smoothly because they have their own shock-absorption function. Meanwhile, the metal frame prevents punctures.
Dress warmly
Frostbite and hypothermia can occur when the body temperature is too low, especially in the elderly. According to reports, people aged 65 and older accounted for more than half of hypothermia-related deaths. Seniors are advised to wear layers of socks, hats, gloves, and scarves while going outside. If the temperature is below freezing, they should cover every exposed part of their body, including their mouth. If your elderly loved one's temperature falls below 95 degrees, seek medical attention immediately. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued guidelines on how to avoid frostbite and hypothermia.
Prevent the flu
Seniors are more vulnerable to the flu because their immune systems deteriorate with age. Every year, get a flu shot and encourage others to do the same. As viruses change every year, it is advisable to wash hands regularly and drink plenty of water. It is better to stay away from large crowds to avoid the spread of and exposure to any possible virus.
Examine the vehicle
Some seniors prefer to drive even in inclement weather, which can endanger them as well as others on the road. Make sure their car is serviced ahead of time, particularly the oil, tyres, battery, and wipers. Stock the elderly person's car with emergency supplies, such as some blankets, a windshield scraper, a shovel, rock salt, a flashlight, booster cables, and a first-aid kit. If travelling is unavoidable for you or your parents, seek the assistance of a professional carer. Choose busier routes that are snow-free.
Protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning
Ensure that the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), water heater, and chimney in the house are properly maintained by professionals. Never use a gas oven to heat your home or a generator indoors. Turn off your car immediately in your garage and install CO detectors throughout your home.
Combact with depression
Families can keep in touch with their senior loved ones on a regular basis to prevent them from becoming depressed. If face-to-face contact is not possible, use digital communication instead. Hire a domiciliary carer to look after yourself or a loved one if you prefer to stay at home rather than move to a care facility. Furthermore, senior citizens can establish a check-in system with neighbours and friends in which each person keeps track of one or two others each day.
Stock the right food and medicine
Seniors spend more time indoors during the winter, eat a smaller variety of foods, have nutritional deficiencies, particularly vitamin D deficiency, and may have mental and health issues. It is therefore recommended that senior citizens consume vitamin D-fortified foods such as milk, grains, and fish such as tuna.
Seniors should eat seasonal fruits and vegetables as they will be more fresh. Certain foods should be avoided, such as those with a high sodium content, particularly processed and pre-packaged foods. To avoid further health problems, avoid high-sugar snacks and fried foods. Also, keep all necessary life-saving medications and regular medication dosages on hand.
Remain active
Winter is when joint pains become more prevalent, and seniors are more vulnerable to such pain. Sitting idle for long periods of time will result in a variety of problems and body pain. Encourage elderly people to engage in light exercise such as stretching or going for a walk in the neighbourhood to keep them active and their emotional state healthy.
Be prepared for power outages
Unfortunately, power outages are common during the winter. Ascertain that your elderly loved one has everything he needs to survive several days without electricity in his living space. Winter essentials include flashlights, battery-powered radios, warm blankets, and bottled water. If there is a longer power outage, keep a supply of non-perishable foods that can be consumed cold on hand. When the power goes out, older adults should take precautions such as wearing layers of clothing and hats. Enlist the help of a neighbour or friend to check on an elderly loved one who is living alone in the days following a storm.
Nurses Group Homecare offers a wide range of elderly care services, from regular visits to 24-hour live-in care, to assist seniors in dealing with difficult situations. Visit our services page to find out more about the different ways we care for the elderly.