Tips To Have A Safe Winter

Each year, our favorite TV meteorologists announcing their big winter forecast, highlighting what kind of weather we can anticipate through February. But regardless of how much snow we can expect, colder temperatures, ice and wintery conditions are a big factor – particularly when it comes to seniors.

❆ Winter Risks

During the winter months, many elderly are at increased risk of succumbing to the cold. Hypothermia, heart attacks, the flu and pneumonia are risks. So too, are broken bones caused by falling on ice and snow.

Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature is less than 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Even a quick trip outside in mild winter conditions, can cause this in older adults, who may not be aware that they are becoming frigid. Symptoms include mental confusion, unusually stiff muscles and slowed breathing and heart rate.

Heart attacks are more prevalent in the cold as the body tries to regulate its own temperature by shifting blood away from limbs and to the body’s core. The sympathetic nervous system turns on, speeding the heart rate and increasing blood pressure.

The risk of falling increases with age, and for people aged 65 or older, more than half of these falls happen at home, according to the Center for Disease Control. Winter conditions increase this risk, as just a small patch of ice can contribute to a serious injury.

❆ Staying Safe and Warm

While the increase risks during the winter months can be chilling, the old adage rings true: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

“Thousands of seniors are hospitalized each year from sicknessor injury brought on by the winter months,” explains Alicia Campbell, regional vice president of Holy Redeemer Home Care. “By being aware of the dangers and taking preventative measures, everyone can stay safe as the mercury plunges.”

Holy Redeemer Home Care and Hospice offers the following tips to help keep seniors safe in lower temperatures:

• Keep the home and the individual warm. Caulking and weatherstripping on doors and windows is easy and relatively inexpensive. Better yet, install storm windows, cover windows with plastic, and insulate walls and attics. Keep a reliable thermometer indoors (separate from the thermostat) and keep ambient temperatures above 65 degrees F. Keep covered with extra blankets at night and ensure a steady diet of warm and nutritious meals. Moderate exercise is also important to keep the body warm.

• Be vigilant with space heaters. Make sure there is sufficient ventilation all around the unit and that the connecting power cord is in good condition. Set the heater at least three feet from anything combustible.

• Wear layers indoors and out. Several thin layers will keep out the chill better than one thick layer. A hat is essential—half of body heat is lost through the head and ears. Mittens provide more warmth than gloves. When going outdoors, pay particular attention to the legs and feet. Also, use a scarf to cover the mouth and nose from the cold and wind.

• Be aware of the ice. To avoid a fall, wear pants of suitable length and shoes with soles that are non-slippery. Keep well traveled walkways salted and be extra cautious walking in icy areas. If walking is difficult and you must get out, have a family member or friend help you maneuver the icy patches.

• Prepare for a heating failure. Have plenty of blankets on hand as well as a backup heating source. Also make arrangements for a place to stay in case of a prolonged heating loss.

• Be aware of the weather. If snowy weather is in the forecast, use your best judgment. When the snow if falling, stay inside and avoid strenuous activity like shoveling snow. Instead of tackling it yourself, get a neighbor or family member to help.

• Stock Up. Have foods that are non-perishable like tuna and salmon and don’t require heating. Have extra water and other liquids available. If taking prescribed medications, make sure enough is in hand, in case roads are impassable. Keep extra batteries around the house for battery powered appliances.

• Use the Buddy System. Know your neighbors, have a buddy system in place. Utilize phone calls or putting lights on or opening your blinds to indicate well being. Share contact phone numbers with your buddy including your doctor’s name and phone number, your pharmacy’s name and phone number and the name and number of family members. You can also have the name and number of pharmacies and food stores that deliver.

❆ By keeping these tips in mind, the beauty of a snowfall or the vision of icicles can be appreciated without the worry of cold weather or slippery conditions. Just with a little preparation, everyone can enjoy the winter months, safe and warm.

Holy Redeemer Home Care, the largest nonprofit provider of home health and hospice services in the state of New Jersey, offers a continuum of services throughout 11 New Jersey counties, including Atlantic, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Salem, Somerset, and Union. Holy Redeemer Home Care also provides care in Philadelphia, Bucks and Montgomery counties in Pennsylvania. It is part of Holy Redeemer Health System, which offers a wide range of healthcare and health-related services, including an acute care hospital, home health and hospice services, two skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, a retirement community, low-income housing, an active living community, and a transitional housing program for homeless women and children. For more information call 1-800-818-4747 or visit us on the web at www.holyredeemer.com.