Winter Safety Tips for Seniors

By providing quality care for seniors, you can help your loved one stay safe during the winter months in Annapolis, MD

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hundreds of seniors die each year as a direct result of winter weather. Visiting Angels has been providing quality in-home care for seniors throughout Annapolis, MD for many years, so we are very aware of this fact. Looking after older adults is our job and we are passionate about it because we know how important it is. As we get deeper into the cold weather this year, we wanted to share some tips about care for seniors that can make this a much safer winter for your loved one.

Bundle Up

The most important thing you should address is the temperature. It may seem a bit obvious to say that it is rather cold in the winter, but, when it comes to older adults, this point cannot be stressed enough. Older adults have trouble maintaining a normal body temperature. That is to say that seniors have lower body temperatures than their younger counterparts. That’s why when it comes to providing care for seniors in the winter, it is incredibly important for them to keep warm in the winter as they can quickly go into hypothermia.

You can help your loved one stay warm during the winter by making sure they wear as many layers as possible. From wearing a comfy sweater indoors to wearing a heavy coat, boots, scarf and other winter gear when they go outside, warm clothing is an absolute must for older adults in the winter.

Be Careful of Icy Walkways

Fall prevention becomes a top priority during the winter time. Although when we provide professional care for seniors we are always doing everything we can to prevent falls by seniors as much as possible, we become extra careful in the winter. This is because it is much easier for any of us to take a fall when it is snowing and icy outside. When looking after your loved one, a major thing to keep track of is their shoes. Proper winter shoes that are warm and have good grip are an absolute must for all seniors. At the same time, if your loved one will be going outside while there is snow on the ground or their walkway or driveway has iced over, see if there is any way for them to stay inside. If they absolutely must leave their home, clean their walkway and driveway thoroughly. Proper fall prevention can help your loved one avoid the emergency room, which is always good news.

Keep Up-to-date on Weather Conditions

Don’t wait until you go outside to notice the weather. Stay on top of daily forecasts and let your loved one know if there’s a likelihood of snow, ice, high winds, freezing temperatures or anything else that could severely impact your loved one’s health. By staying vigilant, you can help them stay prepared for whatever winter throws at them.

Remind Your Loved One to Take Vitamins and Supplements

In addition to good footwear and proper caution, vitamins and supplements can also help reduce the impact of a fall. Make sure your loved one is taking any vitamins or supplements they need, especially ones that promote strong bones.

Create an Emergency Plan

No matter how much you and your loved one prepare, you can never be 100 percent sure your loved one is always safe. Consider making an emergency plan in case your loved one develops a health condition, takes a fall or suffers in any other way during the winter. That way, even when disaster strikes, you’ll know what you need to do in order to mitigate any risks.

To find out more about how quality care for seniors can help your loved one stay safe in the winter, please call our office in Millersville, MD today.