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Seniors are at risk for hypothermia and frostbite in the cold weather. Aging bodies tend to lose heat more quickly than younger individuals. Health problems arise when older adults are unaware of feeling cold. Families and caregivers are advised to protect seniors during winter with these safety tips.
What health issues are caused by cold weather?
Dropping temperatures put older adults at a high risk for health issues and injuries. Icy sidewalks and driveways can lead to slips, falls, and subsequent injuries. Seniors are also at risk for hypothermia and frostbite when they fail to dress properly for the severe weather.
1. Falls
Icy, snowy conditions are hazardous to seniors, since they can slip and fall. During the winter months, falls on the ice are common among the older population. Falls can lead to a range of significant injuries, such as wrist fractures, head trauma, hip fractures, and major lacerations.
Seniors who shovel the snow can suffer falls if they slip on the snow or ice. Other health issues that can arise when shoveling include overexertion, which can lead to injury. For seniors with heart disease, shoveling strains the heart. Plus, shoveling is dangerous for seniors with balance issues or osteoporosis.
2. Hypothermia
Low outside temperatures can cause a drop in body temperature. Older people’s bodies lose heat at a rapid rate when remaining out in the cold for extended periods; and, the cold conditions make them vulnerable to suffering bouts of hypothermia.
3. Frostbite
Similarly, frostbite can occur when seniors spend excessive time outside in the cold without proper clothing. Frostbite is when damage to the skin reaches to the bone. Body parts farthest from the heart, such as the extremities, are most susceptible to frostbite.
Common areas of the body where frostbite occurs include the nose, ears, cheeks, and chin; frostbite occurs along other extremities, such as the fingers and toes. Seniors can lose limbs when frostbite is severe. Older people with circulation ailments, like heart disease, have a higher risk for frostbite.
4. Car Accidents
Slippery snow and ice make driving a perilous activity for seniors. Older people have slowed reflexes and poorer eyesight, which make it difficult to remain vigilant while driving. In fact, people aged 65 and over are involved in more car crashes per mile than other age groups.
How do seniors stay safe in the cold?
1. Safety tips to prevent falls
It is important for caregivers and families to clear snow and ice from walkways and steps around the senior’s home. Salt sidewalks and the driveway. Warn elderly loved ones to watch for sidewalks that appear wet—these may be covered in hazardous black ice.
Seniors should wear footwear with nonskid soles to prevent slips on snow. Older adults who use a cane are advised to replace a rubber tip that is worn smooth. Additional traction in the cold weather may be had by attaching a sharp end to the bottom of the cane.
2. Safety tips to prevent hypothermia
Hypothermia may be avoided by staying indoors or limiting time in the chilly outdoor weather. Seniors who head outdoors must dress in two to three loose-fitting layers to protect their lungs from cold air. Wear a hat, mittens, boots, winter coat. and scarf to cover the mouth and nose.
Caregivers must call 911 in the event the senior displays warning signs of hypothermia. Symptoms include cold skin that appears pale, feeling sleepy, tired or confused, weakness, issues with breathing, and slow heart rate. (Shivering is not considered a warning sign of hypothermia in the elderly.)
3. Safety tips to prevent frostbite
Seniors who cover up all parts of their bodies when outdoors will prevent frostbite. Caregivers should monitor the senior for skin that turns red or dark or starts to hurt. When these signs of frostbite occur, bring the senior inside immediately and run warm (not hot) water over affected areas.
Additional warning signs of frostbite include skin that turns grayish-yellow or ashy and skin that feels hard or waxy to the touch. Numbness may occur on areas affected by frostbite. Caregivers who notice symptoms of frostbite in elderly care recipients should call for medical help right away.
4. Safety tips during winter driving
Some seniors still drive, and operating a vehicle in inclement weather can be risky. Families should winterize a senior’s car: Check tires, antifreeze levels, and windshield wipers. Seniors should avoid driving on icy roads, overpasses, or bridges. Choose busy routes, which are clearer of snow.
Stock the elderly person’s car with emergency supplies. Add blankets, a windshield scraper, shovel, rock salt, flashlight, booster cables, and first aid kit. Alternately, hire a professional caregiver to safely transport the senior to doctors’ appointments and social events during the winter months.
One place to find reputable caregivers is Assisting Hands Home Care. We are a leader in senior care, with experience in supporting the elderly with all the activities of daily living. Our in-home caregivers can help seniors living in Burr Ridge, Lyons, Indian Head Park, McCook, Hodgkins, Countryside, Willow Springs, Palisades, La Grange Highlands, Clarendon Hills, Brookfield, Western Springs, Hinsdale, Darien, La Grange, Downers Grove, Oak Brook, Willowbrook, Illinois and surrounding areas stay safe from severe winter weather conditions.
Professional caregivers from our home care agency assist seniors with personal hygiene tasks, like bathing, toileting, and dressing. We ensure seniors are appropriately clothed for the winter season. Our attentive care prevents older care recipients from risks for frostbite and hypothermia.
The gloomy days of winter can be depressing for seniors, especially those who live alone. Assisting Hands Home Care provides essential companion care, which alleviates boredom, depression, and loneliness. We build strong bonds with care recipients through conversations and recreational activities.
Our caregivers provide important transportation services to doctors’ offices, grocery stores, and the local senior center. Your elderly loved one will be accompanied by one of our trained caregivers to ensure he does not slip or fall on the snowy walkways.
Cold weather brings a range of hazards for seniors. By choosing Assisting Hands Home Care, families will rest assured their loved one will receive proper care and attention. Call us at (630) 407-1932 to schedule an in-home consultation to begin quality senior care. We fully support seniors in winter, as well as all other seasons.
