Is Your Elderly Loved One Ready For Winter?
Winter can be a dangerous time for the elderly. Not only are they more susceptible to colds and viruses, they have to worry about slippery sidewalks and stoops and not being able to obtain necessities such as medications or food.
Just like everyone else, the elderly need to make preparations for winter. Usually, this blog focuses on advice for people who provide full-time care for a loved one in their own home. But there are many elders out there that don't need full-time care. They are still mostly independent and live alone, but they may need a helping hand when it comes to winterizing themselves and their homes.
Here are some ways you can help make sure that your loved ones (or even elderly friends and neighbors) can look forward to a safe, comfortable winter:
- Thorough fall cleaning to remove allergens and other health hazards
- Safety check and weatherproofing the home.
- Quick detail and winterization of their vehicle.
- Shopping to stock the pantry and freezer
- Freshening up the first aid and emergency supply kits
- Making sure the elderly will be able to stay warm
- Updating emergency contact lists and numbers.
The first blizzard or ice storm of the year may be weeks or months away, but the sooner you start preparations, the better your odds of getting everything done before everyone gets sidetracked by the holidays.
Lets get started making your elderly loved one safe for the winter!
A Good Deep Clean
Deep cleaning at least once a year is important for maintaining a healthy home. (Twice a year at least is better when daily or weekly chores can't be done easily). It can be especially daunting for the elderly, who may not be able to manage some tasks on their own. (such as handling heavy furniture or dusting high places.)
Round up some volunteers, grab some cleaning supplies, and give your loved one the ultimate holiday gift--a sparkling clean home.
As well as the basics, (dusting, mopping, washing, folding, sanitizing, etc.) don't forget to do these important tasks:
- Remove all expired food items from the fridge and pantry to prevent potential food poisoning. Take note of what needs to be replaced.
- Make sure all dangerous chemicals are in clearly labelled bottles or containers stored well away from food and open flames.
- Toss out any expired medication, including old prescriptions.
- Make sure people and pet meds are separated and clearly labeled.
- Check that all kitchen appliances are functioning properly and are safe to use
- Make sure items that are used frequently are placed in low, easy to reach areas to eliminate the need for climbing or stooping.
- Sort and throw away fire hazards, such as stacks of old magazines, papers, cardboard boxes, etc. that might gravitate towards an open flame or other heat source. (These can also be a tripping hazard or attract rodents and other pests.)
Do a Safety Check and Some Basic Weatherproofing
While you are cleaning everything, do a basic safety check. This includes:
- Making sure dryer is lint-free
- Checking ventilation
- Checking the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms. Replace if needed.
- Make sure any handrails are still secure
- Removing or relocating rugs and other tripping hazards. (At the very least, secure rugs with good tape to prevent slippage)
- Having propane or gas heaters and lines professionally inspected.
- Making sure water lines and outside faucets are insulated. Check for leaks now, while the weather is still fair!
- Making sure all electrical outlets are working correctly.
- Replacing all the light bulbs, and making certain there is a night light in areas where tripping, falling or bumping into furniture is likely.
- Caulking any air leaks around windows and doors.
- Adding any new safety gear that might be needed. (Hand rails on a set of steps, for example)
- Check that all small appliances such as toasters and microwaves are functioning safely. Quite often, seniors will continue to use these things even if they are "fussy".
Here are some additional safety issues to address that are not necessarily "winter only" but can be checked at the same time:
- Make sure toilet seats are secure (that sounds weird, I know. But I have seen an elderly person fall because of a loose toilet seat.
- Check water heater settings to prevent accidental scalds.
- Make sure drains are all clear (splash-back or fumes from drain cleaner can be dangerous if not used properly)
- Consider tethering or bracketing top-heavy furniture to walls if your loved one may use these items to steady themselves. Especially furnishings near entryways where a senior might step in wearing wet, slick shoes. (tall clocks, entertainment centers, tall bookcases or other freestanding shelves, freestanding cabinets, tables that could tip, etc.)
- Check that power cords are not frayed, taped or split. (Lamps, appliances, vacuums, heating pads, electric blankets, etc. )
Making Sure the Elderly Have a Safe Car
This is a good time to make sure that any elderly person who owns a car and still drives themselves can do so safely. Check all the fluid levels, make sure the tires are in good shape, and do a basic check of all the lights.
The car should have, at the very least, a blanket, a flashlight, a first aid kit, a spare phone charger, water, and some non-perishable snacks. (as well as the basic car tools and spare tire!)
Go Shopping
Time to stock the freezer and pantry! Focus on staple items and non-perishable foods (dried beans, rice, pasta, canned goods, etc.) Then work on stocking the freezer.
If your loved one depends on electricity for cooking food, stock up on a few items that can be eaten directly from the container in case of power outages where the stove and microwave can't be used.
Don't forget a supply of food for your loved ones pets.
Don't just focus on food. Drinking water and other beverages are important to have on hand too.
Besides food, make sure other essentials are on-hand, such as:
- Trash bags
- Paper towels
- Napkins
- Toilet paper
- Hand soap
- Dish and laundry detergents
- Cat litter
- Shampoo
Who wants to risk their life in a snowstorm to buy toilet paper? Its a necessity though. Don't forget to restock any basic cleaning supplies that might be needed as well.
First Aid and Emergency
While shopping, replace the expired medication you tossed earlier (if needed). Add a few winter staples such as Vicks, tissues, lip balm and cough drops.
If needed, purchase flashlights and batteries for those surprise outages. Oil lamps and candles are nice to have, but only if you are certain they will be used safely. Battery-powered lanterns are a safe alternative that provide a lot of light, and can be adjusted.
Warmth and Comfort
Unfortunately, many elders are on a tight income. Sometimes they can't afford to use their heat sources constantly. Or they may choose to limit their usage in order to save a few pennies. Even if they can and do use their available heat, there may be a power outage.
Check that your loved one has plenty of warm blankets on hand, as well as a good coat, appropriate winter clothing for your climate, sturdy walking shoes or boots that are waterproof for outside, and sturdy, warm and comfortable shoes for indoors (with non-skid soles).
Electric blankets and mattress pads can be good too, if your loved one does not have dementia or any medical condition that might make these unsafe. (electric blankets can cause burns in people who are not able to tell when they are becoming too hot.)
Updating Emergency Protocols
Finally, create a list of important phone numbers (or program them into your loved one's speed dial). If using a list, print it out using a large, clear font, then have it laminated (or slip it into a sheet protector) before hanging it near the phone.
Set up a network of friends and family to help out with errands during icy weather. If a prescription gets low, or a gallon of milk is needed, it is much safer for the elderly to phone in a favor than to attempt to drive or walk in ice and snow.
And of course, if you or close friends and family live nearby, call ahead before winter storms to make sure that the elderly have everything they need BEFORE driving conditions become unsafe. Also implement a "rescue plan"--have a place for your loved one to go in worst-case scenarios (such as predictions that power outages may extend for several days).
And For Fun
Not all safety is about physical needs. Emotional and mental health is important too. Being stuck inside when the weather is dreary can be trying for anyone. This is a good time to think about indoor entertainments that might help keep your loved one from being bored during the worst weather days.
This might be as easy as locating different items in the house that might have been "lost" in storage and putting them in one accessible place. Or maybe put older things into storage and provide some fresh new replacements.
Depending on what your loved one likes to do, here are a few things to consider:
- Deck of cards for playing solo games
- Puzzle books
- New, never before put-together jigsaw puzzles (try a variety of pictures and difficulty levels so its never too hard or too easy.)
- Supplies for a favorite hobby (sewing, whittling, crochet, scrapbooking, etc. )
- New books in their favorite genres (audio books are great too)
- DVDs in their favorite genres if they don't have cable or streaming.
- Video or computer games if they like to play them.
- Art supplies
- Journaling supplies
- Stationery and cards so they have them ready for the holidays.
- Bird feeders (outside, of course) that can be easily seen.
Winterizing the Elderly is a Smart Plan
Not all elderly people will need help preparing for winter. That doesn't mean you shouldn't offer, or just show up to do a small favor or two.
Not only is winter prep nice, by creating a clean, safe, well-stocked home for the holidays (and holiday guests), it can allow you to assess your loved one. While you are cleaning and chatting, watch for:
- Signs of lowered cognition (more forgetful? Normal, or it could be dangerous?)
- Depressed mood (just the changing seasons and cool weather aches, or does your loved one seem unusually apathetic or lethargic?)
- Health and hygiene (are they able to safely cook for themselves? Are they stumbling more, or dropping things too often? Do they seem weak? Are they able to keep themselves and their environment reasonably clean?)
- Medication errors (did you find too many dropped pills while vacuuming the carpets? Are prescriptions up-to-date, and taken correctly?)
If it seems like your elderly loved one might not capable of handling themselves safely, it may be time to decide whether or not it is safe for them to spend the winter alone. If everything seems well, then enjoy a cup of coffee with your loved one.
And don't forget to call them often or drop in for a visit. Winter is lonely, especially for those who can't leave their homes!
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