Holiday Senior Safety Tips

Winter months can be especially hazardous for everyone, but especially senior citizens. At Interim HealthCare, we put a special emphasis on senior home health care during holidays and cold weather, when both indoor and outdoor safety risks are greater than usual. By following a few guidelines, we can work together to keep the elderly in good health and high spirits.

Before senior friends and family come to visit for the holidays, take a look around the home and try to eliminate any tripping hazards like loose floor mats, shaky railings or stray phone and electrical cords.

Designate a special area for the kids to play with their new toys when Grandma and Grandpa are coming to visit. While you may be accustomed to stepping over blocks and Barbie dolls, most seniors are not. Eliminate safety issues by steering the children clear of pathways and high traffic areas. Consider sending them to the playroom or bedroom if they do not need supervision.

Going shopping can be fun and a great way to get out of the house. It can also expose seniors to risks they do not encounter every day. Do not take trips during storms or extremely cold weather. Save it for a more mild day. If even warmer weather is still cold, make sure everyone bundles up, complete with hat, gloves, warm socks and boots. If it is too warm for gloves, encourage at least a jacket.

At the mall, park near the entrance, if possible, and if it is dark or cloudy try to find a space in a well-lit area. Keep a keen eye on the sidewalks and parking lot surfaces for potholes and divots to avoid tripping hazards. For those that travel by wheelchair or cannot walk well, consider dropping them off and have them wait indoors while you park the car. A senior care companion or family member can keep them company until you return.

Watch out for dehydration. As we get older, our bodies don’t signal our thirst mechanism as well, so we don’t realize we are low on fluids. Our skin becomes thinner, causing loss of fluids. Medications can cause further fluid loss. Encourage seniors to drink plenty, even if they say they are not thirsty.

For older parents or relatives that don’t have in home senior care, check to make sure that their utility bills are being paid on time. Lack of heat, electricity and water can be deadly in the winter in colder climates. Contact someone in the area, whether a neighbor or family friend, to shovel the front walk if it snows and put down rock salt if it is icy.

When the power goes out locally, check on elderly neighbors to see that they are warm and dry. If not, suggest they come over for a visit where you can bundle them up in blankets and make sure they have something to eat.