Winter is here!
The temperature is dropping and the steam from the hot cocoa is rising!
Winter is a wonderful time to stay indoors, bundle up with a good book near the fireplace and spend time with family. Yes, winter is a magical time when the soft white snowflakes dance their way down to the ground, blanketing the world in a white winter land.
Winter is also a time to take on extra precautions to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe and healthy.
To make sure we all have a happy and healthy winter, here are some important safety tips for seniors:
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE LAYERS
- Dress warm! Layers layers layers. Yes, when you bundle up and dress warm you protect yourself from the icy cold temperatures getting to your bones.
- Thermal undergarments and leggings are a good bottom layer.
- Warm socks are a key to keeping your toes and feet warm. Merino Wool Socks is highly recommended to keep you warm, dry and comfortable.
- Make sure your coat is warm and don’t forget the gloves, scarves and hats. Heat escapes through the top of the head, so it’s important that the head is always covered. Wearing a hat to cover your head is a fundamental garment to wear when going outside in cold temperatures.
It’s Slippery Out There.
If salt is not put out, the whole driveway and sidewalk can turn into one big ice skating rink. When walking down or up stairs outside, ALWAYS hold on to the railing. Take it slow. Taking an extra few seconds can protect you from harm or damage. Seniors often have a longer healing time after a fall, which is why an ounce of extra caution is especially critical for seniors. Make sure the boots being worn have extra traction on the bottom, as this will help prevent falls. Walking sticks or walking chairs should be checked as well. Some bottoms are slippery, in which case applying a rubber bottom can help prevent slips and falls.
Who Turned the Lights Out?
Winter means snow storms, rain storms, and power outages. It’s important to have the house well stocked before a storm with all the requisite staple items. We cannot always anticipate or predict just how long we will be stuck inside, so canned foods and bottled water is a good place to start. If you can get a generator, make sure to have one as a backup for your power. Always know where you keep your flashlights and candles. Prepare extra layers, such as sweaters and blankets, so you will have them on hand to keep you warm.
Keeping Warm by the Fire
Fireplaces are popular during the winter months. It’s important to always check that the flue is open and there is nothing around the fireplace that can catch fire, such as window curtains or sheets. Make sure to check that the smoke alarms, as well as the Carbon Monoxide alarms have batteries and are working.
The Winter Blues
During the winter, many people (especially senior citizens) tend to stay indoors and are more isolated. For seniors who may feel isolated already, winter can bring on extra feelings of depression and winter blues. It’s therefore important to allocate time for extra family visits and phone calls. Leaving behind recreational material after each visit to an elderly loved one, is always beneficial. Whenever the weather permits, make sure to assist you loved one in going out, whether to the grocery, library, coffee shop or even for a walk.
In the final analysis, the winter sometimes feels like it will stretch on forever.
However, before you know it, the sun will be shining, the snow will be melting, and the sweet smell of spring flowers will begin to waft across the landscape!
Until then, keep up the happy thoughts and stay safe a warm!