Well,
winter is here. Monday morning I had to wake up 20 minutes earlier than normal
to start my car before work. And since entrance of the digital age, I no longer
even have a CD case to scrape off my windshield! Rough times, this winter.
It was
not that long ago when I had more to worry about than where the ice scraper
was. My wife and I had moved her elderly mother into our home. Every winter now
it reminds me of all our loved ones who have mobility issues and how difficult
winter can be.
If you yourself
need a little extra help now and then, if you are caring for a loved one, or
even if you’re loved one just recently needs a little bit of extra help. Here
are some tips that you’re going to need to keep yourself or your loved ones
safe for the next couple of months.
· If you are not able to do everything
for your own. Ask for help silly!!!
The
most important tip to keep in mind is to ask for help. If you need help to
clear the drive, sidewalks, etc. don’t hesitate to ask a family member, neighbor,
social service agency or hire a professional. Really, don’t be afraid to reach
out for help.
· If you’re worried about your loved
one.
o
Check
in on them regularly, if you live out of town, arrange for neighbors/family to
check in.
o
Arrange
for someone to keep sidewalks shoveled and de-iced.
o
Make
sure your loved one has emergency supplies.
o
Arrange
transportation if need be, have groceries delivered, etc.
o
Hire
a professional in home care agency such as Comfort of Home Healthcare to come
in and help take good care of your loved one during these months.
· Prepare, Prepare, Prepare!!! There are a handful of likely scenarios
that are going to happen during the winter season, prepare for them.
o
Power
Outages - At some
point, a winter storm is going to lead to a power outage. Make sure there is
easy access to flashlights and a battery powered radio. Stockpile warm blankets.
Keep some non perishable food and water stored away. Here is a winter weather checklist you might find
useful.
§ Oxygen – if you or your loved one is on oxygen
you/they most likely have a generator supplying it. If your power goes out you
will need backup tanks. Have a supply of both large tanks and smaller portable
tanks readily available.
o
Home
Heating Safety
§ Service the furnace every fall to
make sure it’s in working order.
§ Have all chimneys and flues
inspected yearly and cleaned as needed.
§ Install and upkeep on smoke and
carbon monoxide detectors.
· Using a fireplace, gas heater or lanterns
can lead to carbon monoxide poising. Be SURE to pay special attention to the carbon
monoxide detectors and get an updated one if needed.
§ Keep a fire extinguisher handy,
replace as needed and know how to use it.
§ Place space heaters at least three
feet from any curtains, betting, etc.
·
Stay Inside – This is an easy one. If you don’t
have to get out, don’t. Seniors are more susceptible to hypothermia. Conditions
such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, severe arthritis and even some medications
can limit the body’s response to cold.
o
IF you have to go out – Dress appropriate, even for a “walk
out to the mailbox”. One slip and a fall could mean that your outside for
longer than you anticipated.
· Fight Wintertime Depression – Not being with others and spending
more time indoors can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
o
Call family members and check in
daily. Get as much contact with others as possible.
o
If you are the family member, call
your loved one as often as possible. Even a short daily phone call can make a
big difference. If you can visit, even better!
These are just some simple tips and are not intended to be all encompassing. Be sure to get with your family and create a plan as everyone is different and will have different needs.
We hope
you find this helpful and hope that you and your loved ones stay safe this
winter season. Like always; Comfort of Home Healthcare is here to help,
call us if you need anything!
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