Senior Home Care Solutions for Winter Safety Tips

Home care solutions can help seniors in Aspen Hill, Laurel and Silver Spring, MD avoid winter-related health and safety risks

Making sure your loved one is safe and prepared for anything this winter can make a major impact on their lives. The colder season is particularly dangerous for older adults and doing anything we can to prevent injury, falls and illness will go a long way. Visiting Angels has been providing home care solutions for seniors throughout Aspen Hill, Laurel and Silver Spring, MD for a long time, so, we wanted to share some things with you about winter readiness that we have learned along the way.

Be Aware of Icy Walkways

As you know, in Maryland, the winter can be quite trying. We get the traditional four seasons in this part of the country and the winter is quite often very icy and snowy. This can create dangerous conditions for your senior parent. One thing we are always aware of is snow-covered walkways. It is absolutely necessary to make sure your loved one's walkways are clear of snow and ice if they will be going outside.

Stay on Top of Weather Forecasts

Gusts of wind and generally low temperatures are particularly dangerous for older adults. As your loved one is getting dressed - with or without help from a professional caregiver - make sure they are aware of the weather conditions outside and what the temperature is.

Bundle Up in Cold Weather

As a general rule of thumb, your loved one should have very good snow boots. They should always dress in layers and a bit more than they think they need just in case. Older adults have lower body temperature than younger people because of their aging metabolism and, as their nerves have degenerated over the years, seniors are likely to not be able to notice they are as cold as they are. Dressing well and for the weather is a critical aspect of proper winter readiness for seniors.

Remind Them to Take Vitamins and Supplements

Vitamins and supplements are important during the winter, maybe even more so than they are during other parts of the year. Keeping your senior parent's bones healthy is important and some immune system boosters could be a good idea as well. Check with your loved one's primary care physician first, though.

Create an Emergency Plan

Everybody needs an emergency plan, no matter how healthy and independent your loved one is right now. At the same time, you may want to consider professional home care solutions from Visiting Angels. It could give you and your senior parent some much needed peace of mind.

To learn more about our home care solutions for seniors in Aspen Hill, Laurel and Silver Spring, MD, contact our office today!