Cold weather brings potential dangers for seniors

From a press release:

With dangerous winter weather in the forecast, Home Instead Senior Care says now is the time for seniors and their loved ones to brush up on cold weather safety tips.

“Winter can be a difficult time, as the harsh conditions especially impact seniors,” said Steven Coleman, owner of the Home Instead Senior Care^® franchise serving Asheville. “We want to make sure seniors and their loved ones are aware of simple ways they can stay safe and warm throughout the season.”

Those over the age of 65 account for nearly half of all hypothermia deaths. As the body ages, the ability to maintain a normal internal body temperature decreases, creating an insensitivity to moderately cold temperatures. Seniors may not realize they are putting themselves at risk until symptoms appear. Symptoms of hypothermia include: shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech and drowsiness. If symptoms are present, immediate medical attention is necessary.

The leading reason for hypothermia in the elderly is due to poorly heated homes, which is entirely preventable. Follow these simple tips to ensure a warm household.

 Stay Warm

• Keep the thermostat at 65 degrees, at least. Consistently check it to make sure your home is sufficiently warm. Even as heating costs rise, your safety should be a priority.
• Put a carbon monoxide detector near where you sleep.
• Ensure that there is adequate insulation, and check and clean the fireplace and furnace. Furnace filters should be replaced monthly.
• Minimize drafts by filling old socks with sand and using them in drafty windowsills and door jams. Weather-strip around windows and doors. Keep doors to unused rooms closed and close curtains at night.
• Add an extra blanket to the bed and warm the bed in advance with a hot water bottle. Never use an electric blanket – it may be difficult to operate the controls if the temperature needs to be adjusted in the night.
• Dress in layers of loose fitting clothing. If you go outside, make sure your head is covered.

Every year, more than 1.6 million seniors end up in the emergency room because of a fall. With icy conditions, the chances of falling are even greater.

Preventing Falls

• Take a couple minutes per day and stretch your limbs in order to loosen muscles.
• Stay inside – make arrangements for someone to shovel and salt driveways and walkways. Professional caregivers can assist with to-do items, such as bringing in the mail and/or picking up groceries.
• Wear shoes or boots with a non-skid sole.
• Have handrails installed on outside walls for frequently used walkways.
• If you use a cane or walker, check the rubber tips to make sure they are not worn smooth.

 Falls are the number one reason seniors are admitted to the hospital, so Home Instead Senior Care^® serving Asheville is offering a new resource aimed at keeping area seniors out of the hospital.

The Five Ways to Prevent Senior Hospitalizations guide was developed with Dr. Carolyn Clevenger, incoming president of the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association. The free guide includes information about common risk factors and the steps that families can take to help ensure a healthy lifestyle.

“Keeping seniors safe at home and out of the hospital starts with family intervention,” said Coleman. “It could be as simple as making sure your parents are using assistive equipment to avoid falls or suggesting they see a doctor for any new aches or symptoms.”

To obtain a copy of the free Five Ways to Prevent Senior Hospitalizations guide, please call Home Instead Senior Care at 334-215-9577 or visit www.preventseniorhospitalizations.com.