Safety is a top concern for the seniors in our life, and during the cold, winter months how we help keep our seniors safe is a little different throughout the rest of the year. We have to ensure that they are warm, are able to walk safely, and that they are in community with their friends and family.
Safety at Home
When it comes to preparing for winter, bthere are several considerations that need to be made to keep our seniors safe.
Home Systems: Test the heating and HVAC systems to make sure that they are in proper working order to ensure that the heat will work throughout the winter. If the fireplace is used for heat, inspect the chimney and flu that it is in proper working condition. The National Fire Protection Association says that fires occur most often during winter months so make sure that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.
Emergency Systems: Winter storms can cause power outages that will affect many areas of your home. Prepare a kit with: first aid supplies, bottled water, batteries, flashlights, battery-operated radio, canned food items, and extra medications. Remember to not open the refrigerator and freezer doors. Food will remain cold for four hours in the refrigerator and 48 hours in the freezer if the doors remain closed.
Safety Outside the Home
Being Outside: The winter elements can be harsh with it being cold, wet, and windy so ensure that your senior is prepared to be outside. Check that they have properly fitting coats, hats, and gloves. Help your senior dress in layers to provide better insulation and be able to take layers off to be comfortable. Wear sturdy shoes with non-skid soles and use walkways that have already been cleared of ice and snow. If you use a cane or walker, dry off the tips when coming inside.
Winterize the Car: Your car works differently during the cold and winter months. Take your car to have the oil changed, battery and tires checked, and replace worn and cracked windshield wipers. If your senior doesn’t feel comfortable driving, drive them yourself, find a ride-share program, or schedule rides with a service. Whether they are driving alone or you are driving them, keep a safety kit in the vehicle with extra blankets, bottled water, and single-use personal heaters.
Mental Health
Winter can be a time when seniors are easily isolated so ensure that they continue to stimulate their brains throughout the winter. Take advantage of technology that allows them to connect to friends and family. Introduce them to brain games that they can play by themselves. Set up times for different family members to come by and visit throughout the winter.
It is important to keep our seniors safe during the cold and winter months. If you need more resources, or have further questions after reading this blog, please contact BrightStar Care online or call us at 513.321.4688. We want to ensure that your seniors are safe throughout the winter months.