The official start of winter is nearly here, and with it comes added concerns for those of us with senior loved ones. As we age, our bodies become more fragile, and a fall can mean the difference between self-sufficiency and having to consider a move into an assisted living facility or adult family home.
Most of us are aware that falling is a significant hazard for our elders, and so we take care to help our loved ones when the sidewalks are frozen with ice or if an entryway is wet. But some of the risks associated with the cold are not often considered.
- Loss of electricity: We may not get true blizzards here in Olympia and the Pacific NW, but we do get severe ice storms on occasion. Any event that causes trees to fall (a major cause of failing power lines) is of special concern to seniors, who may not know who to call, or may not be able to dig themselves out of snow and ice to drive to a warm shelter.
- Leaving appliances on: Cooking in winter keeps us warm and cozy inside, but if cognitive function isn’t at its peak, stoves and ovens may be left on, and space heaters create their own dangers as well. Make sure your loved ones have simple timers to help with cooking, and use heaters with auto shut-off features that kick in if the appliance is tipped over or becomes too hot.
- Inappropriate clothing for the weather: Staying warm can be a challenge for seniors, who may also have medical conditions that cause poor circulation. Help your loved ones pack away cool weather clothes, so that appropriate clothing is near at hand. Lap blankets are cozy, but electric blankets and heating pads cause burns; it is better to use extra blankets or a microwaveable heating pad that cools over time.
When you are helping provide care for your senior elders in winter, the little things can mean the most. A cozy pair of slippers, an audiobook checked out from the library, or a deck of large-print playing cards can give comfort and enjoyment on the coldest days. Not to mention the feeling of being loved – simply letting your loved one know you care by checking in regularly can make all the difference in the world to that individual. Call your loved ones, and put a warm spark in their day!
If the time comes that you do need to find assisted living or adult family home options, we can help you discover the right solution.
We offer our consulting services free of charge to the client and represent select Assisted Living and Adult Family Home facilities in the following areas:
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Olympia WA
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Tacoma WA
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Puyallup WA
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Gig Harbor WA
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Federal Way WA
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Auburn WA
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Kent WA
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Buckley WA
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Lakewood WA