Although winter is almost over, living in a home alone for the rest of the cold weather days has many challenges for older adults. Low temperatures, less daylight, and snow make it harder for them to stay comfortable at home. These tips on winter safety for seniors can help your loved one face any challenges this winter season brings and beyond.
Read on as we share our tips on winter safety for seniors here.
Understanding Winter Risks for Seniors
Common Winter-Related Risks
Cold temperatures pose serious risks to the elderly, especially health-wise. When the body loses heat rapidly, it can lead to dangerously low body temperature- known as hypothermia. If the temperature damages the skin and tissue, it can lead to frostbite. Apart from that, cold weather can weaken the immune system, which will easily cause a respiratory infection.
This season is also particularly dangerous for seniors, as it significantly increases the risk of falls. Icy sidewalks, snow-covered steps, and slippery driveways all further heighten the risk and lead to serious injuries like hip fractures, which greatly impact mobility and independence.
Storms during winter may cause power outages, leaving seniors with no electricity and heat. Snow and icy roads also make it harder for them to drive or even walk around the neighborhood, leading to isolation and difficulty accessing essential supplies like groceries and medications.
Why Seniors Are More Vulnerable
But why seniors in particular? It’s because their body is more prone to cold. This feeling of cold happens due to a slower metabolism, making it hard to stay warm. Besides that, seniors usually have thinner skin and less fat under that skin, which, as we all know, protects from temperature changes. To make things even more complicated, chronic conditions like arthritis can make the cold temperature feel even more uncomfortable.
Winter Safety Tips For Seniors At Home
Fall Prevention
To prevent falls from slippery ice and snow, clear the paths and driveways and use salt or sand to provide traction. When venturing outside, remind them to wear sturdy, non-slip footwear designed for winter and assistive devices like a cane for extra protection.
Staying Warm
If you wonder how to keep elderly people warm in winter, the key is to wear layers of clothing. That includes insulated jackets, proper outdoor clothing, and accessories such as hats, scarves, and gloves to trap warm air, as recommended by the National Institute on Aging (NIA). Even when lounging indoors, long underwear, socks, slippers, hats, and blankets are a must.
But staying warm starts within the body. Hence, serve your loved one nutritious, warm foods and beverages like soups, stews, and herbal teas. For a warming effect, consider incorporating ingredients like lean proteins, root vegetables, and whole grains—certainly a delicious way to keep your loved one warm and well-nourished.
Emergency Preparedness
Should any unwanted emergency occur, such as snowstorms and power outages, our winter safety tips include having essentials like flashlights, batteries, blankets, and a fully charged phone or backup power bank within reach. Other must-have items inside their homes are non-perishable food, bottled water, and medications to help them endure tough times.
Also, they should be provided with a list of emergency contacts, from local emergency services to family, caregivers, and neighbors, and put them somewhere accessible so they can quickly get the help needed.
Monitoring Heating Systems
Set the thermostat to at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit for a comfortable indoor temperature. If the day is colder than usual, you can opt for a space heater. Though these heating devices bring warmth, they also pose a fire risk. So, keep them on a flat, non-flammable surface at least three feet away from curtains or furniture and monitor your system regularly.
Encouraging Safe but Enriching Activities
Sometimes, cold weather means some activities are off the table, but don’t be discouraged. There are plenty of other enriching activities that can be done indoors. Memory games like card-matching games or puzzles are great options to help improve seniors’ quality of life. Other alternatives include activities like reading, listening to music, or winter crafting.
End Note
Winter is a challenging season for seniors, increasing the risks of declining health and well-being. However, you don’t have to worry. By following our tips on winter safety for seniors, from fall prevention and emergency preparedness to encouraging meaningful activities, you can help them remain warm, safe, and comfortable in their own homes.
Need help keeping your loved one warm, safe, and thriving this season? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Sunny Days In-Home Care Great Lakes.
