Winter can be a difficult season as people get older. Walking or driving through snow and ice can be dangerous as it increases the risk of falls and accidents. The weather can also be rough on overall health and comfort. 55+ senior apartments in Hamburg, PA can help ensure your loved one is safe throughout the winter months. Finding the safest place for your loved one will help keep them happy and comfortable.
Staying Safe During Winter
It is vital for everyone, and especially for seniors, to stay safe during winter. When going outdoors, dress in warm layers and include a hat to prevent severe heat loss. To ensure proper traction, choose footwear with non-skid soles to avoid slipping. Warming up before any outdoor activity will help boost the cardiovascular system. Walking around the house before you go out will warm the muscles and promote blood flow. Taking breaks when walking or working outdoors in cold weather is also vital.
Tips for Senior Home Safety
There are things you can do to keep the home safe during winter. They include:
- Winterize the home by checking the doors and windows for any worn or cracked seals and insulating drafty windows.
- Clear the entryways by removing rugs and other items that can be tripping hazards.
- Install handrails to provide support during unpredictable snowy or slippery conditions.
- Prepare high-traffic areas such as steps to the garage steps walkways, making them safe to walk on during winter.
- Replace worn rubber tips on walkers and canes to provide the best tread.
- Replace batteries in cordless phones and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Prepare for weather-related emergencies by stocking up on food, water, flashlights, extra batteries and medications. Prepare a list of emergency numbers.
- Set your thermostat to prevent hypothermia during the cold weather.
Senior Health Concerns in Winter
Research suggests that almost a third of seniors over 65 suffer from falls each year, and the risk increases during winter. Apart from falls, there are other risks associated with the season. Senior adults are more likely to develop hypothermia as the body’s ability to regulate temperatures is reduced. Existing health disorders can also affect temperature regulation. These include conditions such as stroke, hypothyroidism, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis and nerve damage.
How Senior Living Can Help in Winter
Living at home during winter can be difficult for seniors. Besides health and safety risks, seniors often have to deal with psychological and emotional issues during winter. Stress is especially prevalent as the days get longer, colder and darker. Fortunately, senior living can offer the perfect solution. Living in a vibrant community can help combat loneliness. Residents can relieve winter stress and avoid isolation, and they do not have to deal with daily chores. Moving to an apartment in a secure neighborhood is the best way to beat the winter blues.
Senior living is an excellent way for individuals to live a maintenance-free life. A retirement community is a great place to enjoy carefree living all year round. Your loved one can enjoy a level of safety that may not be available in private residences.
