7 Ways to Protect Aging Loved Ones from Old Man Winter
Family caregivers never really get a break, with each season bringing potential hazards and dangers for their aging loved ones. Winter is no exception.
These cold months can create dangerous conditions for older adults, especially those who may already have impaired mobility due to age or previous injury. With more susceptibility to cold, older individuals need greater protection from the frigid temperatures, indoors and out.
Winter doesn’t have to be a stressful time for caregivers. There are seven steps they can take to better prepare their loved ones for winter weather.
1. Ensure Their Home is Maintained
One of the leading causes of residential fires in the wintertime is malfunctioning heating equipment. This can include improperly-vented heat pumps, blocked chimneys and flues and damaged or clogged fuel burners. Electric heaters can also start a fire, especially if a space heater gets knocked over or overloads a wall outlet. Make sure all heating devices in a home have been properly serviced, are placed away from flammable objects, and that all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have fresh batteries and are up-to-date.
2. Clear Any Hazards Around the Home
While the safest place to be during the winter is inside, sometimes going outside is a necessity. But even tasks as simple as retrieving the mail can be dangerous in cold conditions, especially if hidden ice is present. Older adults should stay inside until the hazards have been cleared, either by salting paved surfaces, shoveling snow or removing debris. As these tasks can increase the risk of injury or a medical event, they should be handled by a family member or professional. According to the Cleveland Clinic, shoveling snow can be stressful enough to cause a heart attack.
3. Dress in Proper Winter Gear
If, for some reason, going outside is necessary, family caregivers should make sure their older loved ones have proper clothing for the conditions. Not only does this mean warmer clothing than caregivers might expect, including a heavy coat, warm hat and gloves to prevent hypothermia, but it also means wearing footwear with good traction, such as winter boots. Remember, mud and snow tracked inside can also create dangerous fall hazards, so make sure shoes are removed before entering the home and placed somewhere out of the way to dry.
4. Keep a Rescue Kit in the Car
It’s important for aging adults to keep a variety of supplies in their car if they must drive during the winter, especially with snow on the ground. These include blankets, jumper cables and a first-aid kit, as well as water, food, a flashlight and a window scraper if they become stranded. Rock salt and a small shovel can help free a vehicle from snow or ice.
5. Always Carry a Cellphone
In the event of an emergency, a cellphone can be a valuable lifeline, and that’s true in winter as well. Make sure that older adults always have a charged cell phone with them so they can call family, caregivers or emergency service personnel in the event of an emergency. It can also be helpful to program important numbers into the phone, and teach them how to use the phone’s voice assistant to make dialing easier. Depending on their technical ability, wearable devices with fall and pulse detection can also be helpful in an emergency.
6. Consider Dedicated Transportation
In the event that conditions would be too hazardous for older adults to drive, dedicated transportation services can often still take them to appointments or important errands. Consider enrolling them with these services so they can still make it to doctor’s visits or grocery stores even when there’s snow on the ground. Some non-medical home care agencies also offer transportation services for seniors.
7. Check their Home Regularly
It’s important to check in with aging loved ones living on their own regularly, to avoid or solve any hazards and environmental issues within the home. This includes checking the thermostat to ensure it hasn’t been turned down too low — lower than 68 degrees Fahrenheit can raise the risk of hypothermia even indoors — and that the home’s utilities are properly functioning. Regular visits can also help to spot fall hazards before they occur, like puddles from melted snow or rugs and furniture that might pose a risk.
Final Thoughts
Winter doesn’t have to be a dangerous time for older adults. With smart planning and responsible preparation, family caregivers can ensure their loved ones have a happy and safe season. In addition to all of this, be sure to check what local services are available, such as home energy assistance programs, which may help older adults offset some of the costs of the season as well.