Tips for Seniors to Keep Your Home Safe & Comfortable During Winter
Nova Home Care is a senior home care company based out of New Jersey. If you have lived in New Jersey for an extended period of time you know how tough the winters can be. For seniors, winter can be especially harsh.
When winter approaches it can bring ice, snow, and cold temperatures which can present challenges for just about anyone, but it is especially important for seniors to be prepared. Seniors are much more prone to injuries due to icy sidewalks and the cold weather can cause a wide variety of illnesses. Here are a few tips to keep in mind in order to help keep a senior loved one’s home safe & comfortable during the winter months.
Avoid Icy and Slippery Areas
Icy roads are sidewalks are no joke. Falls are already a common occurrence for senior citizens and the winter months only increase the likelihood of a bad spill. Younger people are able to recover quickly from most fall-related injuries, but older adults often face complications from such injuries. It is one of the leading causes of death in both men and women over the age of 65.
Make sure to wear shoes with good traction, and try to avoid using the roads or sidewalks if it has recently rained or snowed. It is also a good idea to remove your shoes right away when you come home as the ice and snow from outside can be tracked into your home and cause a slipping hazard on your floor once it melts.
Dress in Warm Clothes
Cold temperatures can lead to serious health problems such as frostbite and hypothermia. According to the CDC, more than half of all hypothermia-related deaths were among people over 65, so it is important to stay warm. If you’re venturing outdoors, make sure to bundle up and dress in heavy layers. Try to cover as much exposed skin as you can and use a scarf to cover your mouth and protect your lungs.
Keep Your House Warm
On the coldest days, your heating system is going to be working overtime. You want to make sure things are working smoothly and that the system won’t go out in the middle of the night. It’s always a good idea to reach out to a heating service professional for a general checkup and maintenance before the winter months roll in.
If the situation should arise where your heating does stop working, having a few portable heaters around will at least allow you to heat specific areas while you wait for someone to fix your main system.
Stay Mentally and Physically Active
With the cold weather making any time outdoors uncomfortable, the ability to do physical activity becomes more difficult. However, there are plenty of ways to be active while in your home. Physical and mental stimulation can also combat symptoms of depression and anxiety which can get worse during the winter.
If you just need someone to spend time with and accompany you throughout the day, consider hiring a companion care service to help you with basic needs around the house and provide companionship.
Eat Healthy Balanced Meals and Stay Hydrated
Eating well and drinking enough water during the winter is crucial to staying healthy. Because people spend more time indoors and may not get as much variety in what they eat, nutritional deficits can be a problem. Vitamin D deficiency is especially common during this time. Be sure to seek out foods fortified with Vitamin D. If you have a loved one who is a senior, consider making extra food when you cook and bringing them a couple of servings while you visit. You can also provide assistance by taking trips to the grocery store on their behalf so they don’t need to deal with the ice and generally cold weather.
Have Questions? Reach Out to Nova Home Care Today
Do you want to talk about how the winter months will affect the lives of your elderly loved ones? Are you looking for professional help in caring for an aging family member once the chill sets in?
The team at Nova Home Care is available to discuss your plans and help you figure out what to do next. Our home care professionals are highly trained and can help mitigate the stress that can come with caring for an older family member. We are based out of New Jersey and primarily operate in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Contact Nova Home Care today.