The months of winter are full of so much beauty: sparkling icicles, powdery white snow, cozy, crackling fires. But it’s also often laden with risks, especially for older individuals. Absolute Companion Care wants to assist you in keeping your older loved ones safe this winter season with the following winter safety tips for seniors:
- Prevent hypothermia. When the temperature outside dips, our body temperature can swiftly drop as well – and even more quickly for seniors. Seniors should restrict time out-of-doors during the winter, and wear layers of loosely-fitting clothing and appropriate outerwear such as gloves or mittens, a heavy winter coat, slip-proof boots, scarf and hat when venturing out. If your older loved one shows the red flags of hypothermia (pale, cold skin, sleepiness and confusion, weakness, slowed breathing and/or heart rate, problems with walking) call 911 immediately for help.
- Prevent falls. Ice-covered walkways are, of course, dangerous, but falls are also common when coming back inside with snow-covered boots or shoes. Verify that walking areas and steps are dry and clear and that older adults wear sturdy, slip-resistant boots when outdoors (and that they are taken off at the entranceway when returning home). There are also devices available for canes and walkers that provide additional traction for walking outdoors, which are safer than regular rubber tips.
- Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. While they’re certainly cozy, wood stoves and fireplaces, along with gas-powered appliances, can leak carbon monoxide if not correctly vented. Make certain a working carbon monoxide detector is strategically placed in your senior loved one’s home, and seek medical attention immediately if any signs of carbon monoxide poisoning are noticed: weakness, nausea/vomiting, headache, dizziness, confusion, blurry vision, or loss of consciousness. And make certain chimneys and flues are professionally inspected and cleaned at least yearly.
- Prevent driving accidents. Individuals age 65 and above are at heightened risk for automobile accidents, and even more so in unsafe driving conditions. One solution to maximize safety is to partner with Absolute Companion Care, who are on hand to provide safe, escorted transportation, or to run errands for seniors.
High Quality In Home Care Services Seniors Deserve
For more guidelines to help keep older individuals safe this winter season, and all through the year, call on Absolute Companion Care. We offer a free in-home safety assessment to make certain the home environment is as safe as possible, and can also recommend and coordinate any necessary home alterations for seniors. Contact us online or call us at 410-357-9640 to learn more about our professional senior home care in Hunt Valley and the surrounding areas.