7
WAYS TO PROTECT AGING LOVED
ONES FROM OLD MAN WINTER By Rebecca Rushing, BSN, RN
Family caregivers never really get a break, with each
season bringing potential hazards and dangers for
their aging loved ones. Winter is no exception.
These cold months can create dangerous conditions
for older adults, especially those who may already have
impaired mobility due to age or previous injury. With
more susceptibility to cold, older individuals need greater
protection from the frigid temperatures, indoors and out.
Winter doesn’t have to be a stressful time for caregivers.
There are seven steps they can take to better prepare their
loved ones for winter weather.
1. ENSURE THEIR HOME IS MAINTAINED
One of the leading causes of residential fires in the
wintertime is malfunctioning heating equipment. This can
include improperly-vented heat pumps, blocked chimneys
and flues and damaged or clogged fuel burners. Electric
heaters can also start a fire, especially if a space heater
gets knocked over or overloads a wall outlet. Make sure all
heating devices in a home have been properly serviced, are
placed away from flammable objects, and that all smoke
and carbon monoxide detectors have fresh batteries and
are up-to-date.
2. CLEAR ANY HAZARDS AROUND THE HOUSE
While the safest place to be during the winter is inside,
sometimes going outside is a necessity. But even tasks
as simple as retrieving the mail can be dangerous in
cold conditions, especially if hidden ice is present. Older
adults should stay inside until the hazards have been
cleared, either by salting paved surfaces, shoveling snow
or removing debris. As these tasks can increase the risk
of injury or a medical event, they should be handled by a
family member or professional. According to the Cleveland
Clinic, shoveling snow can be stressful enough to cause a
heart attack.
3 . D R E S S I N P R O P E R W I N T E R G E A R
If, for some reason, going outside is necessary, family
caregivers should make sure their older loved ones have
proper clothing for the conditions. Not only does this mean
warmer clothing than caregivers might expect, including a
heavy coat, warm hat and gloves to prevent hypothermia,
but it also means wearing footwear with good traction,
such as winter boots. Remember, mud and snow tracked
inside can also create dangerous fall hazards, so make sure
shoes are removed before entering the home and placed
somewhere out of the way to dry.
4. KEEP A RESCUE KIT IN THE CAR
It’s important for aging adults to keep a variety of supplies
in their car if they must drive during the winter, especially
with snow on the ground. These include blankets, jumper
cables and a first-aid kit, as well as water, food, a flashlight
and a window scraper if they become stranded. Rock salt
and a small shovel can help free a vehicle from snow or ice.
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