Winter Safety Tips for Seniors at Home and Outdoors

Depending on where you live, the weather can be frightful during the winter months. Plunging temperatures, snow and ice can pose problems both indoors and out. This can put older adults at greater risk of injuries and other weather-related health issues. Thankfully, you can prepare properly for the winter and minimize cold-weather dangers for your elderly loved one. All it takes is a little planning and attention to your surroundings. If you are unsure where to start, here are some winter safety tips for seniors at home and outdoors to help your older adult have a harm-free winter season. 

How to Minimize Risk With Winter Safety Tips for Seniors at Home 

Freezing temperatures can bring snow and icy walkways. This is extremely dangerous for elderly friends and family members. With these factors in mind, it’s important to be extra careful outdoors this time of year. Here are a few safety tips for winter season fall prevention: 

• Attraction to traction. According to Mayo Clinic, there are greater risk factors for falls in the elderly during the winter months, such as brain injuries and bone fractures. Check the traction and fit of your shoes to make sure all footwear is suitable for winter weather. Consider anti-slip overshoes, non-slip treads or lined boots with good traction to keep you safe and warm. 

• The salt of the Earth. It’s important to keep salt on hand so you can sprinkle it on walkways without risking a fall outside. Make sure the sidewalk, driveway, front walk and front steps are salted. 

• Get your grip! Take advantage of railings and loved one’s arms when offered. This will keep you more stable as you go up and down stairs. 

• Take your time. Hurrying when leaving your home, getting on and off the bus, crossing the street or unloading your car can put you at greater risk of falling. Take your time and pay attention to steps, curbs, ramps and patches of ice. 

• Strengthen your legs. Exercise is one of the most important things you can do to prevent falls. Simple balancing exercises for seniors, done at home, even from a sitting position, will help build muscle and keep you steadier so you don’t lose your balance. 

Most Common Causes of Injury for Seniors in Winter 

While cold-weather mishaps are not entirely avoidable, knowing what can cause injuries before they happen and having the right tools to stay safe is half the battle. Below are more winter safety tips for seniors at home and outdoors to help prevent injury: 

Falling 
The CDC reports that falls are the leading cause of injury for adults ages 65 and older. Snow and ice can compound the problem, making even a simple walk to the mailbox treacherous. Do your best to stay inside when sidewalks and roads are covered in winter white. If you’re worried about staying active indoors, there are plenty of indoor activities for seniors you can do with your loved one. 

Shoveling 
Data from the Cleveland Clinic shows that shoveling snow sends more than 11,000 people to the hospital each year. For many older adults, shoveling can cause orthopedic injury or trigger a heart attack. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from a family member or a neighbor. If you must shovel, work in short shifts, don’t overload the shovel and dress in warm layers to protect yourself from the elements. 

Hypothermia and Frostbite 
Frigid temperatures can be more than unbearable—they can be downright dangerous. If you’re going to be outside for an extended period, you need to be properly dressed for the weather—heavy coat, hat, gloves, scarf, warm socks and boots. Without the proper attire, you risk frostbite on exposed skin and an unsafe drop in body temperature, known as hypothermia, which can result in death. Since older adults are at higher risk of hypothermia, the best winter and holiday safety for seniors is to keep the home’s interior temperature at 65 degrees or higher and limit outdoor exposure.  

How Does Cold Weather Affect Arthritis? 

Cold weather not only increases your chances of hypothermia and frostbite, but it also intensifies arthritis symptoms. As temperatures drop in winter, pain sensitivity and stiffness increase making it even more difficult to move around and perform daily activities. This can increase your chances of falling both indoors and outdoors if you’re not careful. Continuing an arthritis exercise routine and preventing walks on icy pathways can help you manage your arthritis in the winter months. 

Driving 

Have your vehicle serviced and winterized so it’s ready for less-than-optimal driving conditions. Check the oil, antifreeze, tires, battery and wipers. Assemble an emergency kit to keep in your trunk with a few basic supplies: blankets, jumper cables, windshield scraper, small shovel, rock salt or cat litter (for tire traction if you get stuck), water and non-perishable food, flashlight and first aid kit. If you must drive in winter weather, be especially careful on overpasses, bridges and ramps, which tend to freeze before roads. Consider taking an alternate route to avoid roads that aren’t well-traveled or cleared. Always take your cell phone so you can reach out for help in case of an emergency. 

Home Heating 

The best place to be on a cold, snowy day is in the warm comfort of your own home, especially if you find yourself asking, “Why am I so cold all the time?” Older adults come from a generation that often prefers the use of alternate heat sources, such as fireplaces, gas heaters and wood stoves. But these sources can be hazardous if not safely managed. One of the most important winter safety tips for seniors at home is to check your heating devices for dust, debris and proper ventilation before turning them on. If not, you run the risk of carbon monoxide exposure. Keep smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home and test the batteries regularly. If you’re using a space heater, be sure to keep it at least three feet away from anything that can burn (curtains, rugs, bedding, etc.). 

FirstLight Home Care – Senior Home Care Services 

The best winter safety tips for seniors at home and outdoors are to be aware of cold-weather risks and ask for help when needed. Whether it’s assistance with snow removal, a ride to the grocery store or doctor’s appointment, or help arranging a service technician for your car or home heating device, you don’t have to tackle these tasks on your own. FirstLight can help. Our trained in-home caregivers work with you to keep you feeling your best during the winter months. With awareness, pre-planning and winter safety tips, you can safely maintain independence at home, no matter what challenges Old Man Winter throws your way. 

For more information about winter safety tips for seniors at home or to learn more about the in-home care services FirstLight Home Care provides, contact us today!