5 Key Areas for Promoting Winter Safety for Boulder-Broomfield Seniors
When the temperature drops, older adults run a higher risk of health problems and injuries related to the weather and it’s important that they, and those who care for them, take certain precautions at this time of year. Here’s a good look at things that will prevent the unthinkable, according to healthinaging.org.Fire and carbon monoxide poisoning Burning wood, natural gas, kerosene and other fuels produce a deadly gas you can see, smell, touch or feel. Make sure to call an inspector if you think these deadly gasses could be a problem. Be sure that smoke detectors are in good working order and always exercise caution with space heaters. Other helpful tips include keeping a reliable, functioning fire extinguisher and never trying to heat your home using a gas stove.
Fall hazards With accumulations of snow, sometimes wet snow, ice may be the most damaging element in the winter, making simple activities like walking outside of your house potentially treacherous. Make sure to shovel steps and sidewalks carefully, wear boots with non-skid soles and use caution if you need a cane. You might also buy an ice-pick-like attachment that fits onto the end of the cane to help keep you from slipping when you walk. For more information, check out Bright Star Care’s “Focus on Falls” program.
Staying warm and avoiding hypothermia Extended exposure to extreme cold can lead to severe injury or even death. Older adults tend to produce less body heat than younger people, and it’s harder for them to tell when the temperature is too low. The result can be hypothermia, or a dangerous drop in body temperature. Warning signs of hypothermia include shivering, cold skin that’s pale or ashy or feeling tired, weak or confused. Be sure to service your furnace or boiler and that of elderly loved ones and neighbors to prevent any issues when the weather turns frigid.
Accidents while driving Elderly adults are involved in more car accidents per mile than any other demographic, or age group, including newly-licensed teens. The unpredictable, sometimes hidden barriers on roadways and even sidewalks only increase chances of an accident. You can have your car “winterized,” including antifreeze and heating and cooling inspection. Also, you must bring a cell phone when traveling and don’t travel on icy roads. Basic emergency supplies like a first aid kit, blankets, extra warm clothes, booster cables, a windshield scraper, shovel, rock salt, water, canned or dried foods and flashlight ensure preparedness and increase chances of survival should something extraordinary occur.
Safety while shoveling When it’s cold, your heart works extra hard to keep you warm. Working hard, such as shoveling show, may put too much strain on your heart, especially if you have heart disease. Shoveling can also be dangerous if you have problems with balance, or “thin bones.” (osteoporosis). Please ask your doctor or health care provider if it’s safe enough to shovel, lift heavy objects or do other strenuous activities in the snow. BrightStar Home Care of Boulder/Broomfield proudly provide Home Care and Support for Seniors, including 24 hour in home care, and support in independent and assisted living communities. We provide all levels of home care from companion services to Skilled Nursing. Medical Staffing, Home care, In-Home Skilled Nursing, In-Home Physical Therapy for pediatric, adult and geriatric patients, Companion and Personal Care for Elders with Alzheimer’s or Dementia. We also provide Home Child Care, Sitter and Nanny services for Children and Support for New Mothers. We Support Veterans as a partner of the VA/Veterans administration provider network and area a Home Care Provider for U.S. Department of Labor, Division of Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation, and a DOL DEEOIC provider. We Accept most Long Term Care Insurance benefits, provide Hospice care, Live-in care, CNA, Caregiver, RN, LPN, RN Supervision, Compassionate Care, and Compatibility Guarantees. We are an ALS Society partner, Alzheimer Association member, Colorado Health Care Association member, providing care for developmentally disabled and individuals of all ages with mental health and behavioral health diagnosis. Other services inlcude safe discharge and transportation from the hospital or rehab facility, Post Op care both short and long term, Pre Operation and preparation help and assistance, client monitoring for out of town family members. Our service area covers Denver, Thornton, Boulder, Westminster, Longmont, Brighton, Erie, Louisville, Lafayette, Broomfield, and Arvada in Colorado, inlcuding Northglenn, Superior, Niwot, Gunbarrel, Keenesburg, Boulder County, Broomfield County, Jefferson County, Weld County, Adams County.