How to keep the winter a safe and healthy season for aging loved ones.

Snowflakes drift past the windowpanes, and the warmth hissing from the radiator invites hot cocoa drinks and soft tones.

Winter is a time of cozy togetherness, of holidays and family time – and also of unique hazards.

For the senior population in particular, the cold and stormy season brings many health and safety concerns to the fore. It’s important to be aware of common pitfalls and take the necessary precautions to protect ourselves and our aging loved one during this season.

Temperature Drops and Hypothermia

As we age, our body works harder to regulate its internal temperature. This means that older individuals have a bigger risk of developing frostbite and hypothermia.

What is Hypothermia?

Hypothermia is the term used when a person’s body temperature, which is normally at 98.6 degrees, drops below 95 degrees.
Symptoms of Hypothermia include:

• ➤ Shivers
• ➤ Confusion
• ➤ Sleeping Difficulty
• ➤ Muscle Stiffness

Practical tips to prevent Hypothermia:

• ➤ Be sure that the indoor thermostats are set to around 78 – 80 degrees Fahrenheit when the weather gets cold.
• ➤ Seniors should not spend extended periods of time outdoors in the cold weather, even if they feel okay. Body temperatures can drop suddenly in the freezing weather and the results can be fatal.
• ➤ If the weather is stormy and the area is prone to outages, make sure your elderly loved one has a plan of action in the event the heat stops working in the house.
  It is also a good idea to have a power outage emergency kit in a handy spot including flashlights, a cell phone, and a list of emergency phone numbers.

Slips and Falls

When the snow and ice accumulate or simple rain puddles turn icy in freezing temperatures, simply walking down the front path is a hazard.

Slips and falls safety measures:

• ➤ Try to persuade aging individuals to remain indoors when the weather is cold and icy, and only go out with an escort.
• ➤ If you don’t live in the area, arrange with a neighbor or local plowing service to clear the seniors’ pathways, and put rock salt on icy patches.
• ➤ It is never a good idea to let senior loved one’s shovel snow, as the weight of the snow combined with the dropping temperatures can suddenly cause frostbite, hypothermia, and fatigue.

Gas and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

With the windows closed and the heat on high, it’s important to take note of the indoor gas levels.

Safety precautions to prevent gas poisoning:

• ➤ Never use a gas stove to warm the house.
• ➤ Make sure a carbon monoxide alarm is installed and in working order.

Dehydration

Although many think that dehydration is a summer ailment, many factors cause people to get very dry during the winter. For aging individuals, dehydration can quickly lead to real health concerns.

Hydration tips:

• ➤ Be sure your aging loved one drinks adequately, especially if suffering or recovering from a winter flu or virus.
• ➤ Applying moisturizer to the hands regularly, especially after exposure to water, can prevent chapped and cracked skin.

Electrical Hazards

There are many electrical appliances that relieve winter conditions, such as electrical heaters and blankets.

At the same time, these products can easily cause fires or electric shocks if mishandled or old.

What to keep in mind regarding electrical devices in the home:

• ➤ Always purchase electrical products with automatic shut-off features when available.
• ➤ Take note to place hot gadgets on non-flammable surfaces.
• ➤ Discard electric heaters or blankets if the wires are frayed or the product is old.
• ➤ Smoke detectors should be checked to ensure they are in working order.

Winter Isolation and Loneliness

Aside from the physical safety aspects, emotional health is a huge factor when it comes to protecting the wellbeing of seniors. The shorter days and natural lack of outdoor exposure lend themselves to increased loneliness and depression, and visiting or calling and videoconferencing with elderly loved ones can go a long way in ensuring a healthy and safe winter season.

If you don’t live nearby, having a neighbor or community organization you are in touch with on a volunteer or for-pay basis is also a great idea. This arrangement can include someone checking in on the elderly individuals during bad weather or when they haven’t been in touch as well as clearing snow-laden pathways and walking areas when applicable.

May it be a safe and happy winter for both seniors and caregivers alike!