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8 Safety Tips for Elders During Extreme Winter Weather

On 2018-10-12T12:48:19Z
Elders Dealing With Harsh Winter
The cold winter season comes with many dangers, especially for seniors. From health concerns to falls and slips, everyone can find it a difficult season to deal with, and things are even more challenging for older adults. As a family, you must have plans to take care of the seniors in your lives. According to the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), winter cold kills twice as many Americans as does summer heat. The same report showed that older people were more prone to weather-related accidents and death. For this reason, you need to take substantial steps to keep your older relatives safe throughout this season. This article highlights some dangers to look out for and suggests some practical winter safety tips to keep your elders safe during the winter. Let us have a look at what you need to be aware of:

Risks to Lookout for during wintertime

Elderly Care In Winters To offer the best quality of care for your senior relative during wintertime, you have to understand the risks. These include:
  1. Health risks: These include hypothermia, frostbite, Dementia, and Sun-downing (Sundowners Syndrome is characterized by agitation, anger, confusion, and memory loss during the evening hours). Flu is also a significant concern, caused by weakened immune systems, and can lead to secondary infections that include pneumonia.
  2. 2. Physical risks: Precipitation and a decrease in ambient light can make walking a nightmare for older adults, leaving them prone to slips and falls.
  3. Wintertime Blues (seasonal affective disorder/SAD): The decrease in daytime light during the winter can cause many people to experience a decrease in energy and mood.
  4. Social isolation: Many times, the elderly cannot move around a lot, and neither can their loved ones. Loneliness can make winter a tough season. If not addressed, isolation can lead to unhappiness, poor mood, and even depression.
  5. Fires and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: The fireplace or other heating sources can lead to poisoning, especially when a senior lives alone.
Your elderly relative can face many other risks during the winter. As a caregiver, you need to watch out for them keenly.

Five Tips for the Elderly during wintertime

Now that you know some of the dangers your loved one can face during the winter, you must design a plan to deal with these dangers. The following are some winter safety tips for seniors that you should use to guarantee that the seniors in your life stay safe throughout the winter season. Here you go:

1. Take care of Incontinence

According to a report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics, over half of seniors above the age of 50 suffer from bladder or bowel incontinence. While this is ordinarily a complex medical problem to deal with, it becomes worse during the winter. The rate of urine loss increases, and if there is no proper incontinence management, there is a massive risk of skin infections and hypothermia. You should invest in an effective incontinent product to keep your loved one dry during this cold season. High-quality incontinence supplies for seniors, such as absorbent pads, protective underwear, and bed protectors, provide comfort and prevent accidents. These products offer maximum protection while being discreet, ensuring seniors can maintain their dignity and participate in daily activities without fear of embarrassment. Using the best incontinence products also boosts their self-esteem as they can easily interact with the rest of the family without fear of embarrassment. In essence, using an adult diaper or diaper briefs mitigates the risk of skin infection, hypothermia, seasonal affective disorder, and social isolation all at once. Elderly Care For Winters

2. Stay Close and in Touch

Winter is not the best season for moving around. It is for this reason that many seniors go through horrendous experiences. If you have a senior in your life, plan on how to keep them close to your home or find them a caregiver for extra care. If your older adult lives alone, ensure there is an emergency number for use in case of accidents. It is essential to sacrifice time to visit your loved one regularly, whether they live at home or in a facility. They will appreciate the get-togethers and will always look forward to these moments to forget the cold.

3. Keep Them Warm

Staying warm is the best way to avoid problems during the cold season. For the elderly, this is more important because they are susceptible to a myriad of health problems. If your loved one stays in a facility, confirm that they have additional bed coverings and buy extra warm clothes for them. Do not trust what the caregivers tell you; instead, insist on seeing their living conditions to ensure that they are comfortable and safe despite the weather. If you have a senior in your house, make sure you insist on heavy and warm clothing to avert opportunistic diseases such as the flu. Whenever they step out, make sure they wear their hat, gloves, and scarves. In addition to clothing, consider using other methods to keep their living space warm, such as space heaters, heating pads, or electric blankets. However, be cautious with these devices. For instance, ask questions like, “Can electric blankets cause nerve damage?” to understand potential risks. Ensure that any electric blankets have safety features such as automatic shutoff and overheat protection. It’s also important to regularly check for wear and tear to avoid electrical hazards.

4. Keep Walkways Clear

One of the biggest causes of accidents during winter is snow and ice. It causes slips and falls, and for seniors, such accidents can cause untold suffering due to hip fractures, head trauma, and major lacerations. Most seniors already have bone problems, and one more fall will cause pain and distress for a long time. For this reason, make sure you keep your compound clear of snow and ice. Implementing elderly safety tips, such as regularly clearing walkways and using salt or sand to prevent ice formation can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Do not take any chances because simple accidents can prove fatal for seniors, and this is the last thing you want for your family. Additionally, encourage seniors to wear appropriate footwear with non-slip soles when venturing outdoors during winter. This simple precaution can further reduce the risk of slips and falls. By proactively addressing winter safety concerns around walkways and outdoor spaces, caregivers and family members can help ensure a safer environment for their senior loved ones throughout the colder months.

5. Implement Safe Home Heating

Many home accidents during winter occur due to faulty heating systems. If you have a senior in your life, you have to provide safe heating in their living spaces. Go for a heating system that does not need close monitoring. Seniors can easily forget and leave such heating units running, leading to accidents such as fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. The best way to do this is by installing a fire and carbon monoxide detector to detect these problems early.

6. Ensure Proper Nutrition and Hydration

During winter, seniors often underestimate their need for fluids, increasing the risk of dehydration. The cold weather can diminish their sensation of thirst, making it crucial to actively encourage regular fluid intake. Warm, nutritious meals are equally vital, providing essential nutrients to sustain energy levels and bolster their immune system against seasonal illnesses. Ensuring a varied diet rich in vitamins and minerals can further enhance their resilience, keeping them healthy and hydrated throughout the colder months.

7. Regular Exercise and Mobility

Regular indoor exercise is crucial for seniors during winter when outdoor activities are limited. Encourage gentle exercises such as stretching, yoga, or light aerobic routines to maintain strength, flexibility, and balance. These activities help prevent muscle stiffness, reduce the risk of falls, and promote overall well-being. Incorporating regular exercise sessions into their routine can also alleviate seasonal blues and enhance mood. Consider activities that are safe and enjoyable for them, ensuring they stay active and maintain their physical health throughout the colder months. By incorporating these activities into their routine, caregivers can support seniors in maintaining their physical health and mental well-being throughout the colder months, fostering a healthier and happier winter season.

8. Medical Preparedness

Medical preparedness is paramount for seniors during winter to ensure they remain safe and healthy amidst potential weather-related challenges. It’s crucial to stock up on medications and essential medical supplies to cover any disruptions caused by inclement weather. Consulting their healthcare provider to review prescriptions and discuss adjustments for winter conditions, such as scheduling medications appropriately or preparing for heightened health risks like respiratory illnesses, is essential. Proactive medical readiness not only ensures continuity of care but also provides peace of mind for caregivers and family members. By taking these steps, seniors are better equipped to navigate the challenges of the winter season, promoting their overall well-being and maintaining their health in adverse conditions.

Conclusion

There you have it. To keep your senior relatives safe during the winter, keep them warm by providing them with proper dressing and safe heating systems. Use the best incontinence products, keep their outdoor living spaces clear of ice and snow, and ensure they have the correct type of shoes for winter weather; of course, stay close to them and make them feel appreciated. These tips will help you provide better quality care for your loved one and keep them safe during wintertime. Order Free Incontinence Samples today at Wellness Briefs.

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