Many of us are able to continue with our daily activities and responsibilities, with minimal accommodations, despite the dreary winter weather. For aging loved ones and elderly neighbors, however, simple tasks can become overwhelming and require more work and effort when severe weather conditions hit.
Things can get bad quickly for an older adult when we have extreme weather conditions, especially in the wintertime. A simple check-in takes just a few minutes and can literally be a lifesaver in some cases.
It never hurts to check on an older loved one or neighbor when extreme winter weather hits.
Five Tips to Help Seniors with Winter Preparedness
Adult children,neighbors, and family friends can help ensure older adults are safe in the winter months, especially as temperatures dip and snow piles up.
- Make sure their living space has heat — A lack of heat in the wintertime can be deadly for anyone, but older adults are at an increased risk for hypothermia and other complications because of changes in blood circulation, certain medications or chronic health conditions. Check that the water heater, furnace and thermostat are working and that the temperature is consistently kept above 65 degrees to prevent hypothermia.
- Ensure there is adequate, nutritious food — It never hurts to bring by some extra groceries or a few homemade meals for a loved one or neighbor, but also make sure there is at least a few days worth supply of food, water and medications on hand in case of severe weather conditions.
- Encourage older adults to continue socializing — Low temperatures, frigid winds and inches of snow would drive anyone to hibernation, but it’s especially important for older adults to continue socializing. Winter is a great time to try an indoor exercise class. If transportation is an issue, find out about transportation programs for seniors in your area.
- Offer to walk or feed pets — Pets can be wonderful companions to older adults, but they also require constant care and attention that can be difficult to provide when extreme weather hits. Offer to take pets for a walk, clear a space for outdoor business, and make sure there is enough food for Fido.
- Offer to salt and/or shovel walkways and driveways — Simply salting and shoveling driveways and walkways can tremendously help an older adult and prevent serious injuries from a slip and fall. Local nonprofits or volunteer organizations may be available tohelp provide shoveling assistance to older adults on a regular basis.
Bonus Tips for Severe Storm Safety
On top of extreme winter weather, other severe storm conditions such as tornadoes, thunderstorms and flooding, and hail or wind storms, may create some wariness among seniors. Here are a few tips to help your older adult feel safer during these inclement weather conditions:
- Gather supplies and Contact Information — Make sure there are plenty of blankets on the ready. Flashlights, a radio, and extra batteries also come in handy. Keep a stock of non-perishable foods. Supply any phone numbers or other contact information of utility companies, like gas, electric, and water.
- First-Aid Kits and Other Medical Devices — Make sure to have a first-aid kit on hand, supplied with basic first-aid necessities. If your senior relies on an energy-powered medical device, make sure to notify your local electric company. Doing so will put them on emergency lists to receive the equipment and devices they need in case of a power outage or other emergency.
- Know Your Emergency Response Plan — Advise your senior to review their emergency plan, especially with more extreme conditions such as fires, tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes. Where is the closest shelter? Who is available to assist them quickest in the event of this kind of emergency?
- Checking In — After a storm, it might make an older adult grateful if you checked in with them. Offer to clean up any post-storm branches or debris, or shovel their sidewalks and driveway. Help them restock a medicine cabinet or purchase new groceries.
There’s no reason to feel apprehensive about a well-meaning check-in on an elderly loved one or neighbor. Be straightforward and kind, and let them know you care and that you want to make sure they’re okay.
About JFCS Pittsburgh Senior Services
Jewish Family and Community Services (JFCS) Pittsburgh offers a range of services and resources to help seniors maintain their independence while providing support to caregivers and loved ones. For more information, please call JFCS Senior Services at (412) 422-7200 or visit www.jfcspgh.org/senior-services.