In The Know This Fall: Preventing Slips, Staying Warm & Combating Depression

Fall is almost in the air and as the leaves change colors and the temperatures cool down we often see an increase to the health risks for seniors.  We have created a list of ideas to help your loved one or if you are a caregiver, help you to provide better care.  Many of the fall or winter safety risks for seniors center around their environment.

Avoid Slippery Situations

Seniors tend to lose their balance on rock solid surfaces fairly frequently - adding rain or wetness to a surface can exacerbate the potential for slipping.  Especially if ice is involved, although we tend to not have icy conditions very often.  "Unfortunately, falls are a common occurrence for senior citizens, especially during the winter months," says Dr. Stanley Wang, a physician at Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto, Calif. We recommend weathering shoes with good traction and consider the time of day and weather before venturing outside when you are the primary caretaker.

Warm Clothes = Happy Seniors

As the temperatures begin to drop the need for different layers of clothes is important.   As a senior may be living alone, they may not have the appropriate clothes for the weather and a family member may need to be called for a shopping trip!  We recommend conducting an assessment of the senior citizen’s clothing and closet before the cold weather hits so that they can be prepared.

Wintertime depression is a real issue for seniors

As the beautiful fall leaves change colors, so does the frequency that families tend to see their elderly parents or loved ones.  Winter time depression is a real issue that can cause depression symptoms and overall unhappy feelings.  Check-in with the person that you are caring for to find out if they have any family available for a weekly video or phone call chat.