Winter can be a concerning time as our loved ones age, as they are far more vulnerable to accidents and ailments. Unfortunately, this often goes unrecognized until it is too late since seniors often do not realize how their limitations may compound due to the chilly weather. We want our parents and grandparents to have a happy winter season, so we suggest being aware of these safety precautions and discussing them with your senior. Here are 5 best winter safety tips to keep in mind for seniors and elders in your life.
5 Winter Safety Tips for Seniors & Elders
Being Aware of Cold-Related Ailments
As we age, our bodies don’t perform at the same level as when we were in our 20s. Increased cold sensitivity is a normal part of aging brought on by a slower metabolism, fat layers starting to thin, and blood vessels losing elasticity. Additionally, certain medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, anemia, kidney disease, and more, can perpetuate this further.
Unfortunately, these conditions make our beloved seniors more vulnerable to cold-related ailments such as hypothermia and frostbite. Luckily, these are easy to prevent simply by staying indoors with a temperature above 65 degrees. If your senior isn’t about being cooped up all winter, you will want your senior to follow these tips:
- Keep time outside relatively short
- Dress warmly in multiple warm layers rather than one thick layer.
- Wear winter essentials such as hats, thick socks, boots, a waterproof coat, a scarf to cover the neck and face, and mittens rather than gloves
- Keep clothes dry to prevent wet chills
- Be aware of warning signs of hypothermia and frostbite
If your loved one displays symptoms of either cold-related ailment, you will want to get them inside and warmed up and call for emergency services.
Taking Measures to Prevent Common Winter Injuries
Since the age of internet videos, there have been countless recordings of people slipping and falling due to ice and snow. While it is humorous for a kid or young adult to take a tumble, it can be life-threatening for a senior. We suggest the following to keep your senior safe when walking in the winter.
- Have someone present with the seniors as they walk
- Walk only on cleared and de-iced walkways and steps
- Wear boots with non-skid soles
- Use a stable cane with a rubber tip or icepick attachment
Another common winter injury is snow shoveling! Independent seniors may want to shovel their steps and driveways. In addition to the dangers of slipping, this strenuous activity can be too much for the heart. It is important to remember that the heart has to work double time to keep you warm when it’s cold outside. When you add something as taxing as shoveling snow on top of that already overworked heart, it can be dangerous, especially for those suffering from heart conditions.
To prevent this, we recommend hiring a neighborhood kid or company to clear their driveway for them. Alternatively, you can shovel it yourself if you are available. If your senior does want to participate, make sure they only work for 5 to 10 minutes at a time in a non-slippery area and then take a break inside. If possible, try to give them an essential alternative task that keeps them inside, like making hot cocoa or setting out dry clothes.
Preventive Action to Stop Home Accidents
Our furnace systems run full-time during the cold winter months to keep our homes cozy and warm. At the same time, fire and carbon monoxide poisoning injuries and deaths skyrocket, often due to improper use or failing equipment. According to the National Fire Protection Association, 1 in 7 home fires is due to heating equipment.
To prevent such fires for your seniors and yourself, we recommend the following:
- Perform or hire a home inspection to check heating equipment, space heaters, and electrical
- Complete all repairs and replacements before it gets chilly
- Have chimneys and flues inspected and cleaned
- Place or check batteries for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Review space heater safety and ensure they are 3 feet away from anything flammable at all time
- Regularly check in to ensure everything is working properly
Avoiding Winter Driving Accidents
Seniors are more likely to be involved in a car crash, especially when driving in adverse winter conditions. Suppose you live in an area that frequently experiences ice and snow driving conditions. In that case, we recommend developing an alternative driving plan for your senior if they are willing to cooperate. Offering a sprinter bus or private car to escort them would be ideal if you can financially. Alternatively, you can work with your family (and maybe other seniors in your lives and their families) to make carpool trips for grocery shopping, entertainment, and other activities that must take place when driving conditions are poor.
If your senior isn’t willing to give up the keys just yet, we recommend the following:
- Find alternative routes that are less treacherous
- Winterize their cars with snow chains or studded tires, antifreeze, and new windshield wipers
- Remind them always to take their cellphone in case of an accident
- Stock their car with emergency essentials, including:
- First aid kit
- Pre-paid cell phone
- Extra set of warm clothes
- Blankets
- Waterproof poncho
- De-icing, salt, or cat litter
- Shovel
- Windshield scraper
- Snacks and water
- Flashlight and hazard signs
Consider In-Home Senior Care
As our loved ones age, there comes a time when they likely need more assistance than we can provide as we try to juggle work, family, and somewhat of a social life. While providing constant care for your seniors may seem like the noble option, it isn’t always the right choice for their or your best interest. Fortunately, senior care services in Tri-Cities and Eastern Washington are available to provide them with the assistance they need to live their best lives.
At Home Instead, we provide tailor-made in-home senior care with a compassionate touch. Whether your senior needs a home helper to drive them to the store, cook, and clean, or they need in-home care service for chronic illness, we specialize our services to your loved ones unique wants and needs. This winter may be the right time to start your senior on getting a little extra help, easing their burden and yours. To schedule an in-home care consultation, please complete our form, and we will get back to you soon.
