Winter is a season for celebration and family, but for older adults, it also brings a unique set of challenges. As the temperature drops and the days grow shorter, the risks of falls, illness, and home hazards increase.
“Something as simple as a fall can be devastating for older men and women,” says Dr. Evelyn Granieri, a leading expert in Geriatric Medicine. Preparation is the best defense against the season’s dangers.
Whether you are looking out for yourself or caring for a loved one, here is a guide to staying safe, healthy, and warm this winter.
Guard Against the “Silent Killers”
Cold weather poses risks both inside and outside the home.
- Hypothermia: Keep your thermostat set to at least 65°F (18°C). Many older adults lose body heat more quickly than younger people, and even mild cold can lead to hypothermia.
- Fire & Gas Safety: Ensure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are tested monthly. CO is an odorless, colorless gas that can build up from space heaters or blocked vents.
Mastering Icy Terrain
Icy sidewalks are a primary cause of hip and wrist fractures.
- The Right Gear: Wear shoes with deep treads and non-slip soles.
- Cane Maintenance: If you use a cane or walker, check the rubber tips. If they are worn smooth, they will slide on ice like a skate. Consider an “ice pick” attachment for canes for extra grip.
Optimize Indoor Lighting
Winter means fewer hours of daylight, and older eyes often require more light to navigate safely.
- Consistency is Key: Avoid “light shock” by keeping lighting levels consistent from room to room.
- Modern Fixes: Use motion-sensor nightlights in hallways and bathrooms.
- Clear the Path: Secure loose rugs with non-slip backing and tape down extension cords to prevent tripping.
Prioritize Respiratory Health
The flu remains a serious threat to older adults, particularly those with chronic conditions. However, in today’s environment, it is also important to stay current with COVID-19 boosters and the RSV vaccine, which is now specifically recommended for adults over 60.
- Action Step: Aim to get vaccinated to ensure peak immunity during the height of winter.
Hydration and Skin Care
It is a common myth that we need less water in the winter.
- Dehydration: You may not feel thirsty, but your body still needs 4–5 glasses of fluid daily to keep organs functioning and prevent medication side effects.
- Winter Itch: Low humidity strips moisture from the skin. Use thick, fragrance-free creams or ointments (rather than thin lotions) immediately after bathing to lock in moisture.
Know Your Limits
Shoveling snow is one of the most physically taxing activities a person can do. The combination of cold air and heavy lifting can put immense strain on the heart.
- The Rule: Ask your doctor before shoveling. If you must, warm up with light stretches first and take breaks every 5–10 minutes.
For the Caregiver: A Winter Checklist
If you are caring for an older loved one, your “eyes on the ground” are their best safety net.
|
Task |
Why it Matters |
|
Frequent Check-ins |
Extreme cold can cause isolation and depression. |
|
Grocery Runs |
Prevents the senior from having to navigate icy parking lots. |
|
Medication Audit |
Ensure they have a 2-week supply in case they are snowed in. |
|
Tech Check |
Ensure their cell phone is charged or their medical alert pendant is working. |
Pro Tip: If your loved one lives alone, consider a Personal Emergency Response System (PERS). These wearable devices can summon help at the push of a button if a phone is out of reach.
Winter Home Safety Checklist
A guide for older adults and caregivers to ensure a safe and warm season.
Around the House
- [ ] Set the Heat: Keep the thermostat at 65°F (18°C) or higher to prevent hypothermia.
- [ ] Check Alarms: Test all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. Replace batteries if needed.
- [ ] Brighten Up: Ensure every room and hallway is well-lit. Add motion-sensor nightlights to the bathroom path.
- [ ] Clear the Floor: Remove loose rugs or use non-slip backing. Tape down extension cords so they aren’t a trip hazard.
Getting Around
- [ ] Inspect Gear: Check the rubber tips on canes or walkers; replace them if they look worn or smooth.
- [ ] Footwear: Ensure winter boots have deep, non-slip rubber treads.
- [ ] Ice Removal: Arrange for a neighbor or service to salt walkways and shovel snow. Avoid shoveling yourself.
Health & Wellness
- [ ] Vaccinations: Confirm you are up to date on Flu, COVID-19, and RSV shots.
- [ ] Hydration: Aim for 4–5 glasses of water/fluid daily (even if you don’t feel thirsty).
- [ ] Skin Care: Apply a thick moisturizing cream daily after bathing to prevent “winter itch” and cracked skin.
- [ ] Medication: Keep at least a 14-day supply of all essential medications in case of a heavy snowstorm.
Emergency Preparedness
- [ ] Stay Charged: Keep your cell phone charged and within reach at all times.
- [ ] Wear Your Alert: If you have a medical alert pendant or bracelet, put it on every morning.
- [ ] Check-In Plan: Set a specific time each day to call a family member or friend.
by Debbie Crause, CSA
We hope this information is helpful to you in the important work you do as a family caregiver.
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