Winter Safety For Seniors

Winters in the Midwest are beautiful, but the snow and freezing temperatures can be harmful to seniors. If you’re a senior living in Ravenna or the surrounding areas, consider these winter safety tips to help you stay safe and warm this season. 

Winter Safety Concerns for Seniors

The cold, snow, and ice with Midwest winters present a few health and safety concerns for seniors.

• Temperature: Seniors are more sensitive to temperature than younger adults and are more likely to experience lower body temperatures. When outdoor temperatures lower, so does a person’s internal body temperature. If the temperature gets below 95 degrees, it can cause hypothermia, which can increase a person’s risk of heart disease and organ failure. 
• Falls: Snow and ice increase the risk of falls regardless of age. However, falls can be more severe for seniors because of fall-related injuries. Some of the more common injuries seen in seniors after a fall are concussions, broken bones, and bruising. 

Tips For Staying Safe This Winter

There are some things you can do to stay warm and reduce your risk of winter-related injuries. 

• Keep your house warm: Keep the heat on during the winter, even when you're not home. If there are rooms you spend more time in than others, consider using a space heater or having extra blankets in that room to keep warm. A warm house keeps you cozy and prevents frozen pipes. 
• Wear layers: Whether inside or outdoors, dress in layers to help regulate your body temperature. When you venture outside, have proper outerwear, such as a winter coat, gloves, hats, and scarves. 
• Stay indoors when it’s cold: It’s not unusual for the Midwest to see below-freezing temperatures. If the outdoor temperature is 32 or lower, stay inside. 
• Wear sturdy shoes: Wearing sturdy shoes outside can reduce your fall risk. A sturdy shoe has cups on the back of your heel (not something you can slide your foot into) and fits securely around your foot. You also want a shoe with a good grip on the sole so you can more easily trek through snow and ice. 
• Ask for help clearing snow and ice: Even if it doesn’t seem like there’s a lot of snow and ice outside, it’s still important to ask for help. Removing snow can strain your muscles and joints, and ice is challenging to walk on, regardless of age or mobility. Stay safe by calling a professional or asking a loved one for help.

Staying Safe With Visiting Angels 

If you need extra help staying safe this winter, consider working with a professional caregiver from Visiting Angels. Our compassionate caregivers can ensure you’re warm at home, help you navigate the snow and ice outdoors, and contact professionals for heavy snow removal. 

Outside of winter safety, our caregivers can assist with nonmedical tasks such as light cleaning, cooking, laundry, medication reminders, and transportation. We also offer personal care for clients who need help with grooming, bathing, and mobility. 

You can learn more about our home care services by contacting our office in Ravenna.