Winter Safety Precautions for Seniors

Frigid temperatures are as harmful to seniors as heat waves in summer. Follow these guidelines and precautions to 'winter proof' senior homes and safeguard health.

When outside:

Dress warmly in loose fitting clothes, layering when possible. Favor mittens over gloves, as fingers generate warmth as they rub against each other. During cold weather always wear a head cover, as 30-50% of body heat is lost through the head. A scarf or mouth covering will help to protect lungs against cold air.

Frostbite and hypothermia are two of the biggest dangers that face seniors. Most susceptible body parts are fingers, toes, ear lobes and noses. Symptoms of frostbite include numbness and a white cast to the skin in the affected area. Warm body parts quickly, but be careful not to scald.

Keep hydrated. Many find it difficult to drink adequate liquid when it's colder, but seniors are more susceptible to dehydration that younger people. As in warmer weather, try to drink 6-8 glasses of water a day.

If forced to shovel snow, try to take frequent breaks. The exercise, combined with colder temperatures adds more strain to the heart. Every winter, people succumb to heart attacks while shoveling snow, so listen to your body. If you're tired, rest!

Make sure shoes have a good rubber tread to avoid slips and falls. A broken hip or leg can be a devastating injury to a senior. If canes and walkers are utilized, make sure rubber tips are in good condition.

Inside:

Keep thermostat set at least 65 degrees to prevent hypothermia. Inexpensive plastic sheeting over windows will help insulate the home. These window-covering kits are available at Wal-Mart and Target as well as most hardware stores.

Make sure smoke detectors are in good working order and replace used batteries with fresh ones. For seniors who utilize fuel-burning heaters, fireplaces and appliances, be on the safe side and purchase carbon monoxide detectors. Remember, carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless.

It's best for seniors to stay indoors as much as possible in cold winter conditions. The most common signs and symptoms of hypothermia are:

Uncontrolled shivering

Stumbling

Drowsiness

Slow or slurred speech

Memory loss

Disorientation

A sense of exhaustion

If you or someone you know is experiences these signs, get medical help immediately, but if that's not possible, try to warm the victim gradually, help them change into warm, dry clothing and then cover with a blanket, making sure to cover the head and neck as well. Hypothermia can develop in days or weeks, so keep an eye on loved ones.

Finally, ensure that you or a loved one is fully stocked with medicines, medications, food and water, in addition to making sure they have adequate heat.

Following these winter precautions will help ensure that you and your loved ones stay as comfortable and healthy during the winter season as possible.