Tips for Helping Seniors During the Winter
Winter can be a tough season for many, but it’s most difficult for seniors. If you have a senior in your life, you’ll want to ensure that they get the care they need during this time.
Luckily, there are many things you can do to help your friend or relative stay healthy this season. With that in mind, here are a few tips for helping seniors during the winter.
Make Sure You Have Enough Emergency Supplies
Stocking up on supplies that could save someone in an emergency is essential for senior care. You must make sure that the senior in your life has a flashlight, water, blankets, and a first aid kit at their disposal in case something happens. Also, making sure they have at least a week’s supply of their prescription medication and three days’ worth of non-perishable food will keep them safe if a natural disaster occurs.
Keep a Close Eye on the Temperature
Another risk for seniors during the wintertime is getting too cold indoors. Being too cold can lead to dehydration because they might not feel the need to drink water when shivering.
However, those with heart issues will get colder than others, so for their safety, you must ensure that their home has enough insulation to avoid any drafts. Caulking around the windows and doorframes can help eliminate any drafts. To prevent their pipes from freezing and avoid making them too cold, try to set their thermostat to at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
Eliminate Any Risks of Falling
One of the biggest risks for seniors during the winter is slipping and falling on ice. Also, if they walk around the house with thick socks on, they might slip on the hardwood floor.
You can help the seniors in your life avoid a fall by making slip-proof paths in their homes and giving them slippers or shoes with a firm grip for extra stability. Pouring salt on the driveway and sidewalk can help eliminate slippery snow that could lead to an accident.
Help Them Stay Active
Exercise is one of the best things you can do for your body, no matter how old you are. In addition to being an easy and fun way to curb senior depression, exercise also keeps them warm. Helping the seniors in your life stay active can also provide fitness benefits to you.
Overall, seniors are vulnerable to many potential problems during the winter. However, if you follow these tips for helping seniors during the winter, you can ensure that this holiday season goes smoothly.
Authored by Inspire Your Journey
