By Sharon Wollman, R.N., Response Senior Care
The extreme temperatures and frequent snows this winter have been especially dangerous to our elder population. As people age, the ability to maintain a normal internal body temperature decreases. Often times they ask for a sweater around their shoulders, a warm pair of socks on their feet, or make the request to please turn up the heat in the home.
To protect a loved one, let me suggest a few tips:
Dress appropriately. Encourage your senior to layer clothing and wear a long sleeve sweater or sweatshirt, and sweat pants or loose, yet warm, long pants along with socks to retain heat.
Monitor nutrition. Make sure there are groceries and staples in the home. Easy to open cans, fresh bread and easy to prepare foods should be stocked. Consider foods that do not need to be heated in case of any electrical outages.
Stay comfortable and warm. Support your loved one in suggesting an extra blanket to the bed and keep a throw over the chair in which they sit during the day in case of any draft to the room. Never use an electric blanket and make sure all space heaters are turned off before going to bed.
Avoid falls and slips. Make sure your loved one has clean steps and walkway before venturing outdoors. All snow and ice should be removed. Check frequently to make sure all life alert necklaces, bracelets are working properly in case of an emergency. Additionally, make sure all electrical outlets, chords and other electrical wires are safe and tucked away in the entire house.
Stay in touch and ask for help. It is important to keep a telephone access available for yourself and for your loved ones. If it is impossible for you to go frequently to your senior, find a neighbor who can check up on your senior if you are unavailable.
Monitor the thermostat. Check with your loved one to make sure the thermostat is set above 65 degrees during this cold weather. Older adults are particularly susceptible to hypothermia during this winter season.
In case of emergency! Make sure emergency telephone contacts (including the doctor) are visible in the home. This helps anyone who may need to come into the home to assist your loved one.
Lastly, make sure you or someone close by contacts your senior frequently. The weather can prevent sunshine into the home and make your loved one feel depressed or neglected. A loving call with warm and friendly conversation cheers up everyone. We are happy to establish a care plan and schedule visits that will work for your loved one and your family. Our office phone number is 410-571-2744.
Be safe and stay well!
