The winter season presents many challenges for seniors, who are statistically more prone to hypothermia, driving accidents due to severe conditions, home fires, and injuries resulting from falls.
While many families look forward to upcoming holidays and the beauty of winter, concerns for a senior loved one’s well-being can cause undue stress. The key to enjoying a safe and healthy winter is being prepared for many of the commons issues.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a serious condition when the body temperature drops below 96 degrees. Common symptoms include shivering, numbness, slow breathing and heartbeat, stiffness, drowsiness, and weakness.
What can you do?
Avoid, or limit your time, outdoors. If you must go outside, bundle up with multiple layers of loose-fitting clothing, a hat, scarf and gloves. When inside, set the thermostat to a comfortable level (suggested 65-70 degrees) and consume warm meals and drinks. If you believe you, or someone else, may have hypothermia, seek immediate medical attention.
Home fires
The majority of home fires occur during the winter months because of improper heating sources or misuse of heating devices.
What can you do?
Keep areas around space heaters clear of clothing, bedding, blankets, curtains, etc. Do not use kerosene heaters, gas stoves, or charcoal grills for home heating. Have your fireplace and chimney inspected and cleaned yearly, keep an operable fire extinguisher readily available, and ensure smoke alarms/carbon monoxide detectors are properly functioning. Finally, avoid smoking indoors or leaving candles lit while out of sight.
Falls
Falls can have severe consequences for seniors and slippery stairs and sidewalks can present great hazards.
What can you do?
Shovel your sidewalks and walkways often or arrange to have someone do it for you. Wear proper, skid-resistant footwear and avoid icy areas or snowy sidewalks if possible. Recruit the assistance of a friend or loved one to help you safely navigate uncertain terrain if you must venture out. If you use a cane or walker, attachments and accessories, such as ice picks, are available.
Driving safety
According to the National Safety Council, crash rates for drivers 65 and older are higher than all other age groups except teenagers. Inclement weather often increases the amount of driving accidents.
What can you do?
Winterize your car, checking antifreeze levels, tire tread and pressure, and the windshield wipers. Before driving, stock your car with basic emergency supplies, blankets, and food. Check weather reports and road maps and use tire chains when possible. Always take a cell phone with you during any trips. While driving, stop gently to avoid losing control, reduce speed, keep headlights on, and proceed with caution on bridges or overpasses.
General safety
Taking small steps throughout the year to prepare for harsh conditions can have a profound impact and keep you from scrambling at the most inopportune times.
What can you do?
Stock up on essential items like medication and non-perishable food items. Keep flashlights and blankets readily available should the power go out, and pre-arrange to have a friend or loved one check on you from time to time.
Those with senior loved ones should plan to visit often and ensure their loved ones have reliable transportation as well as emergency supplies in the home.
Taking these precautions and preparing for winter weather can help you and your loved ones get back to enjoying the beauty of the season.