Safety Keeping Your Loved Ones Safe This Winter
With cold months upon us and snow in the forecast, it is important to make sure your loved ones are prepared for a safe winter.
The winter temperatures can not only create a hazardous environment, but can also pose a threat to mental and physical health. Whether you are worried about your loved ones’ risk of falling or the toll that social isolation can take, here are a few ways to promote a healthy and safe season.
- Prevent Slips & Falls Before they Happen:
- Make sure your loved ones are wearing rubber or grippy soled shoes.
- Tape down rugs and tuck away loose cords.
- Remind people to remove their shoes at the door to avoid creating a wet and slippery floor.
- Consider hiring a companion to join your loved ones on walks or errands.
- Keep Warm Inside & Outside
- When your loved ones have to leave the house, remind them to bundle up – wear layers, hats, mittens, and scarfs to avoid any chills or frost bite.
- The National Institutes of Health recommends that older adults keep their thermostat at a minimum of 68 to 70 degrees day and night. Also, to use throw blankets while relaxing throughout the day.
- The use of fire places and space heaters can be great to warm the house and your loved ones! Just make sure the chimney flue is opened properly and space heaters are at least 3 feet away from other objects.
- Remain Aware of Physical and Nutritional Health
- As the winter months provide less hours of sunlight, it can be easy to lose out on some vitamin D intake. Encourage your loved ones to eat foods that are nutrient dense or try taking vitamins.
- Some great options that contain vitamin D are fish, red meat, egg yolks, and oranges.
- As the winter months provide less hours of sunlight, it can be easy to lose out on some vitamin D intake. Encourage your loved ones to eat foods that are nutrient dense or try taking vitamins.
- Combat Any Effects of Social Isolation
- With the added obstacle of social distancing, it can be easy for loved ones to lose out on daily social interaction. Make an effort to stay in touch! A quick visit to see them or periodic phone calls can be a great way to eliminate feelings of loneliness and let them know you are thinking of them.
- If you are tied down by a busy schedule or long distance, think about hiring a companion to keep your loved ones company and assist with their daily tasks.
The winter months can be difficult, but with thoughtful reminders and the right plans in place, we can ensure that our loved ones are staying safe this season. If you are ready to hire a caregiver to help during these upcoming months, call us today at 617-928-1010.