The winter months can be terrible for many senior citizens. They feel stuck in their house and get scared of falling due to the ice and snow. If you are a family caregiver for an elderly loved one, you may already know how important it is to take extra safety precautions for them in the winter. Here are some winter safety tips that you should keep in mind for your elderly loved one this winter.
Dressing Appropriately for the Weather
Home Care Syosset, NY: Winter Safety Tips
You need to make sure that your elderly loved one is dressing appropriately for the weather. There are far too many elderly people who don’t dress correctly during the winter. They may not wear a winter coat or gloves. This can lead to frostbite, hypothermia, or even death. You and the home care providers can help your elderly loved one set up clothes for each day, if needed. You should also make sure the winterwear is accessible for your elderly loved one at all times.
Mental Health Matters
Another way to keep your elderly loved one safe this winter is to care for their mental health. Preventing falling and keeping your elderly loved one warm shouldn’t the only things to focus on. There are many senior citizens who experience depression, stress, and anxiety in the winter. You can help by keeping them company and taking them to the doctor for the mental health, if needed. If you can’t do this, you can have home care providers do it.
Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Unfortunately, there are many senior citizens who pass away from carbon monoxide poisoning. This can happen due to using a fireplace that isn’t set up properly. It can happen from using gas heaters or gas lanterns. It is important that you check all of these things for your elderly loved one. If they have a fireplace, be sure it is checked by a professional every year before using it. If they are using a gas heater or gas lantern, be sure there is proper ventilation in the room. You should also make sure your elderly loved one doesn’t leave those on too long. They shouldn’t sleep with them on either. If you think your elderly loved one might forget these things, you or the home care provider can ensure they are using them properly.
Conclusion
These are some of the winter safety tips for you to keep in mind when it comes to your elderly loved one. You should help to keep them warm in the winter and help them to prevent falls. However, there is more to your elderly loved one’s safety during the winter than just staying warm and fall prevention. The other tips mentioned here today are very important, as well.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Home Care in Syosset, NY please contact the caring staff at Brookville Homecare today. 516-802-7722
Sources
https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-08/documents/pcmp_english_100-f-09-001.pdf