Tips for Keeping Elderly Healthy and Safe in Winter Weather

Posted by Donna Mae Scheib on December 27, 2017

Tips for Keeping Elderly Healthy and Safe in Winter Weather

In many parts of the United States, health challenges are a part of dealing with winter weather. This is especially true for older people, particularly those who are homebound with mobility issues. Risks both emotional—often from isolation—and physical increase during this time of year.

Ways to minimize winter-related health risks and make this season an enjoyable time of year:

Compile a home emergency kit

Fill a durable plastic box with bottled water, a flashlight, radio, batteries, wool blankets, and some non-perishable food. The box should have an easy-on-easy-off lid. It’s also crucial to make sure vital prescriptions are always filled and available; this helps avoid problems from mail delays or having to get out of the house and to the pharmacy during cases of emergency.

Develop a winter emergency plan

In a safe place, store a bag packed with medical necessities and care items—including a change of clothing—for the senior to access if emergency strikes. If there is a pet in the home, also store a carrier packed with pet supplies. Make sure these items are easy to locate and develop a plan with the senior for what to do in case of a power loss.

Have cold-weather apparel on hand

Layered, loose-fitting clothing helps keep the body warm. When going outside, it is important for everyone—seniors included—to wear a hat as well as warm gloves or mittens to prevent heat loss and frostbite. Fresh air and sunshine is wonderful so long as the senior in your life is warm and dry.

Eliminate potential fire risks

Be mindful of space heaters and electric blankets as well as candles and dry holiday trees. Check to see that carbon monoxide alarms and smoke detectors are working and that a fire extinguisher is available (especially if there is a working fireplace in your senior’s home).

Encourage activity

It might be difficult for your senior to get out of the house, but isolation from friends and the community can impact overall health. Help your senior find social activities that suit their interests and ability levels. Can a local library deliver movies or books to their senior living community? Are there local church members who would like to become involved in a visitation program? Is there a senior citizen center nearby? Get creative, but always make sure transportation is accounted for.

Keep aware of the temperature

Older individuals tend to get cold faster. Ensure their home is well insulated and that the windows and doors are sealed from drafts. Keep the thermostat set at 70 degrees+ to prevent hypothermia and freezing water pipes.

Make an easy-to-use cell phone available

Have the phone charged and full of preprogrammed emergency contact numbers. Demonstrate how to make a phone call and review this procedure with the senior from time to time. There are many suitable phone models for seniors that have larger numbers, bigger buttons and longer-lasting batteries.

Observe safety precautions in the car

If the senior is still driving, have necessary emergency supplies available; these could include heating packs, blankets, kitty litter or sand, a snow scraper, water, a healthy snack like granola bars and a workable car phone charger. Make sure the gas tank is full. Always insist on knowing where your loved one is going, their intended route, and their expected time of departure/arrival.

Practice good nutrition

Because the winter season often comes with a reduction in activity levels, a balanced diet is extra important at this time. A healthy, balanced diet can help prevent colds and ensure enough Vitamin intake when there is less opportunity to go outside. Have extra food available both in the freezer as well as a good supply of bottled and canned non-perishables to ensure nutrition needs are met even on days when it’s hard to get out to eat or buy groceries.

Reduce fall risks

Have your elderly loved one wear slippers or shoes with sole grips while at home. Get rid of any rugs that may tend to slide or that may cause slipping. In icy conditions, be vigilant about keeping the sidewalk and driveway areas shoveled and salted.

In Summary

Let’s face it—for most of us, winter weather is a part of life. Keep your senior loved ones safe by following the tips above. A risk-free winter is an enjoyable one.

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