Does your aging relative need a wheelchair to get around? It may seem easy to zip around in an electric wheelchair, but the truth is that it is extremely challenging to get around, especially when winter weather is working against you. Elderly adults that have mobility issues rely on family caregivers like you and senior care providers to help them with all kinds of tasks at home, from getting dressed to preparing meals. They also rely on this support network to help them get around in their wheelchair during challenging winter weather.
Here are a few winter safety tips your elderly loved one who use a wheelchair:
Switch Out for Snow Tires
Just like a car, some wheelchairs come with tires that are specially designed for gripping the ground in winter weather. At the very least, you must check out the tires to make sure they are not worn smooth. Without any tread, the wheelchair tires will slide the minute they hit a patch of ice. It’s very easy for a wheelchair to tip over in winter weather, dumping your aging loved one on the group and potentially injuring themselves. Newer tires or winter tires will do a lot to winterize the wheelchair.
Avoid Obstacles
Sidewalks and paths that are generally clear in the warmer months can become blocked with snowdrifts. As street plows and snow throwers clear some areas, the excess snow can be tossed into other areas that impede wheelchair travel. Whether it’s going into a doctor’s office from the parking lot or going from one store into another next door, seniors should always pick the clearest path. If a senior care provider is accompanying them, they may want to scout ahead to identify a good route.
Dress Properly
Elderly adults should be dressed properly to go outside in a wheelchair in the winter months. Sitting for long periods of time slows down the circulation, which is part of what keeps people warm. Senior care providers should dress aging adults in warm layers to preserve their body heat as much as possible. Seniors especially need a warm hat, waterproof gloves and even a scarf. To keep seniors warm and comfortable, their senior care provider can put a thick cushion on the seat to help insulate the senior’s rear end from the cold.
These are just a few of the valuable winter safety tips that you can help your aging loved one implement when they need to go out in their wheelchair. Of course, knowledge and preparation both go a long way in helping everyone avoid some of the potential problems of managing a wheelchair in winter weather.
https://www.gogrit.us/news/2017/12/20/7-tips-to-put-the-win-in-winter-wheelchair-mobility
http://www.wheel-life.org/winter-weather-preparedness-tips-for-wheelchair-users/
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HIRING HOME CARE SERVICES IN RIVER NORTH, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE CHICAGO. CALL TODAY: 312.382.8888.