VISITING ANGELS SHEBOYGAN, WI 920-221-1000
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Winter Safety Tips for Seniors

Anyone who lives in Wisconsin knows how rough winter can be. There are moments of beauty in the first snowfall or early weeks of crisp winter air, but the extreme cold and excessive snow can be dangerous, especially for seniors. Our body loses fat as we age, making it difficult to stay warm. And staying cold for too long isn’t just uncomfortable; it can cause serious health concerns. Thankfully, you can prevent many potential dangers of winter by taking the proper precautions.

The Dangers of Winter

Humans are warm-blooded mammals, meaning our body’s temperature changes with our environment. If our body loses heat faster than it can produce, it can cause hypothermia, which can be life-threatening. Symptoms of hypothermia include cold hands and feet, pale skin, shivering, confusion, and slowed speech. As hypothermia progresses, it can cause a slow heartbeat, shallow breathing, and a loss of consciousness.

In addition to hypothermia, the cold can cause discomfort to those with Parkinson’s disease or arthritis, making it harder to dress and move about the home. It’s also essential to check on loved ones with dementia or other cognitive disorders. Sometimes seniors with dementia may not realize the cold and neglect to dress warmly or heat their home.

Extreme cold isn’t the only winter risk. Falling accidents spike in the winter due to ice-covered sidewalks. The snow makes venturing outside even more risky as it often covers ice patches and adds to the slipperiness of walkways.

Winter Safety Tips

Winter poses health risks for everyone, but following these tips can keep you safe even in the coldest of Wisconsin winters.

  • Dress in layers. Whether you’re in the home or venturing outside, layering your apparel is an easy way to keep yourself warm. Keep your extremities covered with slippers, wool socks, gloves, and hats. If you go outside while it’s snowing, be sure to wear a water-resistant coat to stay dry. If you get wet while out, change your clothes as soon as you can. Staying in wet clothes can cause your body temperature to drop and puts you at risk for hypothermia.
  • Keep your house warm. Make sure your home stays between 68 and 72 degrees. If you feel a slight breeze when standing near your windows, you can apply window installation film to reduce drafts. You can also place sweeps under your doors to reduce door drafts. For larger homes that take longer to heat, keep space heaters and extra blankets in the rooms you spend the most time mine, such as the living room or bedroom.
  • Ask for help shoveling and salting outdoor walkways. Snow and ice can be a concern for falling, but there’s also a risk of injury in shoveling and icing alone. Ask a neighbor or nearby family member to assist in clearing the walkways around your home. If you don’t have a nearby loved one who can help, consider hiring a professional.
  • Nourish your body with hearty foods. Body fat keeps your body warm, but that doesn’t mean you should overeat in an attempt to build fat. You want to consume nourishing foods and healthy fats to keep your body strong, healthy, and warm. Make a pot of stew heavy with vegetables and lean meats, or consider a cold avocado chicken salad that you can eat cold in case of a power outage. 
  • Create an emergency plan in case of extreme weather. Snowstorms and extreme cold can cause power outages or damage to the home. Have a person to call in case of an emergency who can help you relocate if necessary. If there’s a power outage and you’re unable to heat your home with electric heaters, make sure you have battery-operated heaters or wood-burning options to stay warm. Also, keep extra blankets and clothing in a quickly excessive place.

How Visiting Angels Can Help

If you or an aging loved one live alone this winter and need assistance during the cold weather months, the compassionate caregivers at Visiting Angels Sheboygan can help. We offer everything from meal preparation and light housekeeping to transportation and personal grooming. Our Sheboygan office serves those in Sheboygan and Manitowoc counties. If you’d like to learn more about our services, give us a call at 920.221.1000.

Serving Sheboygan and Manitowoc Counties

Visiting Angels SHEBOYGAN, WI
2108 Kohler Memorial Dr #70
Sheboygan, WI 53081
Phone: 920-221-1000
Fax: 920-328-0324

Serving Sheboygan and Manitowoc Counties

Visiting Angels SHEBOYGAN, WI
2108 Kohler Memorial Dr #70
Sheboygan, WI 53081
Phone: 920-221-1000
Fax: 920-328-0324