Winter is an exciting time for many and its around the corner.
Soon, the holiday season will be in full
swing, bringing with it many opportunities for social gatherings and family fun. For the elderly,
however, winter can be a time of trial and hardship.
Seniors are particularly susceptible to ailments that may otherwise not cause serious illness in younger persons. Here are some tips to help you make sure that your loved one is safe and healthy this winter.
Take care of yourself first.
Elderly people tend to get sick faster than young people because their
bodies naturally age faster than those of younger people; therefore they need more rest during cold
weather months.
Make sure that you’re getting enough sleep each night so that you feel rested
when it’s time for activity again later on!
Consider a medical alert device. A medical alert device can help you get help in an emergency.
They’re small, wearable devices that alert a family member or caregiver when the user is in trouble.
You can wear one as a necklace or bracelet and activate it by pushing a button. It’s important to note
that anyone can use these devices—even those who are elderly (or not).
If you want to prepare for winter weather, consider purchasing an emergency room bag with clothes
and other supplies like blankets, batteries and tablets so that if someone falls ill during winter
months they won’t be stuck without anything!
Wear loose clothing. Loose clothing is the best way to prevent frostbite and keep your body warm.
Loose-fitting clothes allow for better blood circulation, which will help prevent you from getting cold
or frostbitten.
Avoid tight-fitting clothing, especially on extremities such as your hands, feet and ears.
Tight clothing restricts blood flow and can lead to numbness or white spots on exposed skin (referred
to as “white on white”).
Use gloves when working outdoors in cold temperatures; they will protect
against windburn while helping keep your hands warm inside them.
Scarves are also useful for
covering up if you feel like wearing a hat but still want some head protection from the elements!
Keep extra clothing, blankets and heaters in your car.
Keep your phone fully charged at all times. One of the most important things you can do to
keep yourself safe is to make sure your phone is fully charged at all times..
If you’re going to be outside for a long period of time, it’s even better if you have your phone in hand so that
it’s always ready for emergencies!
Safety in numbers is key to staying safe and healthy, so it’s important to keep an eye on your
elderly loved one as well. If you’re not sure how long it will take for emergency services to
arrive, such as if someone has fallen or is having trouble breathing, call 911 immediately.
As the temperature drops and snow accumulates on the ground outside, hypothermia can set in
quickly—and frostbite isn’t much better.
Stock up on flashlights and batteries. Be prepared for power outages by stocking up on flashlights
and batteries, as well as non-perishable food items such as canned goods and bottled water. You can
keep some extra candles too.
Make sure there’s enough food, water and blankets in the house. Since you will most likely live with
other elderly people who may need help cooking meals during winter months, make sure they have
access to these items as well.
We hope these tips help make winter more comfortable for your elderly loved ones. Remember, the
best thing you can do is be there for them and take care of yourself as well. If this is a bit too much,
why not consider an assisted living facility (Reliable Oaks).