The weather in the winter can be very hard, especially for older people. Not only that, but it can be dangerous for them to do even the most basic everyday things when it’s cold, the ground is wet, or they can’t move around as easily. During this season, it’s essential for seniors to have home care assistance to help them learn and continue safe habits to stay safe.
Help Seniors Prepare Their Homes for Winter
Making sure that a senior’s home is ready for winter is the first thing that can be done to keep them safe. Some important things to do are detailed below.
- Ensure doors and windows are insulated to stop drafts
- Check heating systems and fix them as needed
- Add weather stripping and door sweeps to keep the heat in
- Consider adding handrails to steps and other areas that might be slippery
- Keep pipes from freezing by protecting them correctly
Help Seniors Dress For Winter
Seniors should be encouraged to wear layers and warm clothes in the winter. With home care assistance, they can go through their closet to make sure they have the clothing they need. In addition, encourage seniors to follow the tips below.
- Pick clothes that are right for the weather
- Wear shoes that don’t slip and give them support
- Keeping warm with the right fabrics – such as wool
- Take extra clothes, blankets, and hand warmers when leaving the home
Help Seniors With Winter Mobility
For seniors who have a hard time getting around, winter can make things even harder. Those with home care assistance have built-in help, but they may need extra assistance by following the advice and tips below.
- Encourage them to reach out to neighbors to shovel their driveways and paths
- Encourage them to use walking tools like walkers or canes
- Ensure their paths and driveways are salted
- Use home care assistance for transportation to avoid driving on slippery roads on necessary trips
Help Seniors Prepare For Emergencies
Seniors need to have a plan in place in case of emergencies linked to bad weather. Again, those with home care assistance have a leg up, but they still need to be careful when home care isn’t available.
- Put together a survival kit with water, food that doesn’t go bad, medicines, flashlights, and a radio that runs on batteries
- Set up a way for them to contact friends or family members
- Ensure they’ve signed up for weather alerts
During the winter, it’s more important than ever to check in with seniors. Loved ones should utilize the resources where seniors live, increase their home care assistance hours, and contact seniors each day to ensure they are okay. In addition, remind them to drink plenty of water and eat healthy foods, as well as use good hygiene habits to steer clear of germs in order to stay well. Ensuring seniors are safe, healthy, and connected during the tough winter months is key. With everyone working together, seniors will have the support they need.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Home Care Assistance in Newtown, CT, please contact the caring staff at Elderly Caregivers LLC. today (203) 628-7438
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