Keeping Elderly Loved One’s Safe During The Winter

While elderly loved ones need assistance and companionship throughout the year, both of these are even more important during the cold of the winter months. Understandably, it can be difficult squeezing in one more thing to do during a holiday season when shopping, baking, cleaning, cooking, and decorating become self-imposed priorities. Nonetheless, it is essential to assist your elderly loved ones so they are fully prepared to tackle longer days and colder nights as safely and happily as possible.

The elderly are most at risk of falling and being unable to get help when they need it. Arranging for someone to stop by once a day to check on your senior loved one can make the difference between a long stay at the hospital and the ability to remain home. If you don’t have the funds to hire someone, you might consider asking a friendly neighbor or other relatives to help.

In addition to the risk of falling, the elderly are in danger of developing hypothermia during the winter. Whether it’s a snowstorm on the horizon or a long spell of incredibly low temperatures around the comer, making sure that your elderly loved one is safe from harm takes a little planning. If possible, you might simply want to move your loved one into your home temporarily or plan an overnight stay at their home. If this isn’t possible, you can stop by for an hour to make sure each of the following items is readily available:

• Refills on necessary prescriptions
• A cellphone for emergency calls
• An emergency contact list with the phone numbers for physicians, ambulance service, and the police
• Warm clothing and footwear that are simple to put on and easy to reach
• Warm blankets in case the heat goes out
• Freshwater for drinking
• Foods that do not need to be cooked

It isn’t always possible to check in physically on elderly loved ones each day. However, a quick visit to ensure they have all of the necessities at least once a week is vital to their health and happiness. If you are unable to do so yourself, you can always arrange for senior care in Houston to assist you with this task.

Call Assisting Hands Houston today for more information.