Winter Safety and Seniors: A Simple Guide
Senior Care in Scotch Plains, NJ
Staying safe in the winter is not too much different than being safe in the summer. However, there are some differences that you should keep in mind.
For any senior who may require some type of support and assistance, even if it’s from a family member or friend, if they live in the northern states, or out west where snow is common, safety can be compromised at any time during any storm.
It’s a good idea to plan ahead, not just for the week, but for the entire season. Even though work in the middle of January (or at the tail end of it), February, and March can be incredibly intense for winter weather. Currently, thanks to El Niño, winter has been relatively mild in the Northeast and northern plains. However, that will likely change once February rolls around.
Here are a few tips to help any senior stay a bit safer during the winter months when the snow, ice, and freezing rain begin to fly.
Have the furnace checked.
The furnace should be inspected as soon as possible. In fact, it should be inspected by a licensed and professional HVAC technician before the winter heating season begins. If it hasn’t been inspected in a while, now is the time to do that.
In the event of failure, it could take days or even weeks to get an HVAC technician out to repair it in the winter months.
Have plenty of water on hand.
Keep bottled water on hand and easily accessible for the senior or anyone helping support them at home. If the power goes out and the house relies on a well, there won’t be any water they could use. Keeping properly hydrated and having water to drink when taking medications can be incredibly important, especially for aging seniors.
Keep the home warm.
It shouldn’t be hot, but it shouldn’t be so cold in the house that the senior has to shiver just to stay warm. When somebody shivers, it is requiring a significant amount of energy and that can lower the body’s immune system.
When a senior is shivering to stay warm at home, they are increasing the risk of developing certain health issues, including pneumonia.
Rely on home care assistance.
During the winter months, even though the senior may be able to care for himself well enough, having an experienced home care aide stopping by once a week can be a great way to provide comfort for the senior and his or her family members.
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