The cold winds are blowing; snow is likely falling where you are. Temperatures are dipping below records in some places and the furnace is constantly running to heat our homes. There’s no turning back; it’s definitely the middle of an ice-cold winter! Senior slips in the snow can be particularly dangerous this time of year. Your elderly loved one may not realize just how slick the sidewalks may be and a fall could cause a lot of damage to their body. Many elders will suffer a bone fracture of some kind or another, especially in their hips, ankles, shoulders and wrist. Unfortunately, a fracture like this can be critically life changing. It is vitally important to do our best to prevent a fall for our senior loved ones this time of year. Be sure to keep an elderly loved one’s doorsteps and sidewalks clear of all ice and snow to prevent slips and falls. Add a layer of salt to prevent any refreezing. If distance makes clearing a loved one’s driveway difficult, perhaps look into a local snow removal service to help out when there is any significant snowfall. The little extra cost will be great peace of mind of your loved one’s safety for you and your family.
Winter fall prevention takes a little planning and possibly some acceptance that the risk is higher for a senior loved one. Your loved one may need to be reminded to take small steps and aim for the use of handrails whenever possible. Perhaps, it should be routine to check the weather before leaving home. If snow or freezing rain is expected; reschedule activities that take place outside of the home. If venturing outdoors with your senior loved one, whether to go grocery shopping or just to take a drive, it is important to stock a winter-preparedness kit in the vehicle. The temperatures can easily get below freezing and in the chance that the car has a breakdown or flat tire, we want to be ready to protect our loved ones until help can arrive. The kit should have extra blankets, flashlight, phone charger for the cell phone, some dry snacks, water bottles and extra hats and mittens. When traveling, it is best to avoid days predicted to have dangerous wind chills and freezing precipitation. While you may not be able to keep your senior loved one from falling this winter, but you can follow these tips to possibly prevent a serious injury.
The coldest months of the year can also be the loneliest. The days seems shorter and cloudy days with less sunlight can put a damper on anyone’s mood. It is extremely beneficial to an elderly loved one to have some company. A phone call or a visit will be helpful to boost your loved one’s mood and have positive effects on the week ahead. The daily routine can bring a new level of busy at times, and while a phone call is always feasible; you just can’t be everywhere at once and you shouldn’t feel that you have to. If you have an elderly loved one who lives far from you, it would be beneficial to have assistance with in home senior care. A peace of mind visit from a compassionate caregiver will reassure you and your family that your loved one is cared for, eating properly, and taking medications as needed. Peace of mind visits from Senior Helpers of Chattanooga can give you the reassurance you need that your elderly loved one is doing well in their home; both emotionally and physically.
If you would like to learn more about winter fall prevention with in home care for seniors, along with the many benefits of professional live in care for the elderly, or dementia and Alzheimer’s care, call Senior Helpers of Chattanooga to speak to a senior care specialist today 423-710-1500! The compassionate senior care specialists at Senior Helpers can also guide you through the process of receiving the Veterans Administration Aid and Attendance Benefit if your elderly loved one is a veteran. In home senior care allows your loved one to stay in the comforts of their own home for as long as possible while receiving the level of care they need. Senior Helpers of Chattanooga provides a wide range of services including Alzheimer’s and dementia care, personal assistance, companionship, and so much more to all areas of Chattanooga, Hixson, Cleveland, Ooltewah, Signal Mountain.