Winter is hard on everyone in Boston. The days get shorter and we all suffer through frigid temperatures. Now imagine how it must feel for your elderly loved ones. They are far more prone to injury because of fragility. Their muscles and joints don’t work the way they used to, which can lead to falls. Cold affects them in a harsher way, and they are more likely to get frostbitten or sick. That is why winter care for the elderly is important. Having a good winter care strategy will keep them safe during this high risk time of the year. Preventing Winter-Related InjuriesWe’ve all stumbled a little when walking around in the winter. Sometimes you don’t know there’s ice until you already slipped over it. This is especially dangerous for the elderly because falls can lead to life-altering or life-threatening side effects. Even at home, seniors are prone to falls unless their home has been carefully prepared to prevent falls. Good lighting and proper stair maintenance are important. Also, canes, handle bars and reaching aids are useful tools that can reduce the risks of tripping, slipping or falling. The cold itself is also dangerous. Elderly people get colder faster. There are heated clothing benefits that you should consider. They can help the elderly minimize the risk of developing hypothermia and frostbites. Properly winterizing the home can prevent many accidents for our elderly loved ones. That means things like checking that the windows are well-insulated, having the roof inspected to ensure it won’t get crushed under heavy snow, checking their heating system and refilling the propane or oil before it gets too low, and other safety precautions. Staying IndoorsWhen it’s icy and cold outside, it’s better to hibernate a little bit. There are plenty of holidays to prepare for in the winter that will keep you and your elderly loved ones occupied. After the holiday season, senior citizens tend to get lonely and a little sad. It’s hard for friends and family to visit because of the weather. Staying inside too much isolates them and makes them feel lonely. A home care companion can help them feel less alone. Not only can a home care aide provide emotional support, they can also take care of basic housekeeping, run errands, and do meal prep. Your senior care strategy should also include regular cleaning and changing of bed linens and laundry. Bedding is bulky and difficult to thoroughly clean in household washers and dryers. Hiring a laundry delivery service will make things easier. Skincare and Nutritional SupplementsIt gets drier when it’s cold and elderly skin can start to crack and bleed. Prevent this by having a dry skin lotion or cream with plenty of moisturizing elements around the house and reminding your loved one to use it.
Make sure you the cupboard. One easy way to stay healthy is by making sure you’re getting the proper nutrition. In the summer, it’s easier to stop by and make sure your elderly relatives are eating nutritiously. During the winter, vitamins and supplements can be a good way to ensure they’re getting the nutrition needed to get through the winter. If you have senior loved ones living by themselves at home, these winter safety measures should not be taken lightly. Fortunately, proper preparation can alleviate most problems. We hope these winter safety tips will help you and your loved ones stay safe this winter. Getting ready for the oncoming festivities and winter holidays can definitely be a hectic time. Winter in Boston is always magical, but when you’re in the mood to start preparing right away for what’s to come, here are a few tips to get you started. Get Essential Chores Out Of The WayWhether you’re preparing for the holidays or are planning to hold a party pretty soon, it’s crucial to have a list of essential tasks. Without having a list, you might end up forgetting important things like having fresh and clean tablecloths for parties or not having any snacks for your guests to munch on. It’s best to start compiling this list as soon as you decide to get prepared because it gives you more time to add any tasks that might have slipped out of your mind. Don’t let the Boston chill get to your head or your festivities when you’re prepared ahead of time! Look Your Best For the HolidaysWinters are undoubtedly a time for parties, family gatherings, and much more. When you’re gearing up for the festivities, you mustn’t forget to look your best for each event. Consider dry cleaning fancy dresses and formal wear that you’re planning to wear this year so you can be prepared even for the last-minute party your friend is throwing two blocks away. You don’t want to be worried about last year’s stains when you’re out to celebrate! Keep Seasonal Ailments AwayIf you’ve started preparing for winter a bit earlier than usual, then it’s the perfect time to stock up on over-the-counter flu medicines as well as some regular cold medicine. Winters are a notorious time catching seasonal viral and more, so it’s best to buy some vitamins and supplements from your local pharmacy to keep your immune system strong. When you’ve managed to slip on some ice or snow and are feeling sore all over, it’s best to have pain gel on hand to help you out. When you’re fully stocked and ready to go, no winter ailment can keep you confined. Arrange for Professional CareUnderstandably, holidays can be a busy time for you and your family. It can be quite concerning when you have an elderly loved one who can’t attend your celebrations. Ensure that they’re getting the best care even when you can’t devote your full attention to them by getting professional respite care. Professional living assistance by certified home care aides can ensure that their needs and ailments are being taken care of holistically and that you don’t constantly have to be running from here to there trying to take care of it all. Don’t Forget About YourselfThe holidays can be stressful, and you need to ensure that you’re giving yourself some TLC from time to time. Keep your mind relaxed and your body healthy when you’re taking little breaks to take care of yourself.
Whether it’s your laundry that needs to be taken care of through a delivery service or taking a soak in a hot tub, there are many self-care activities you can do in no time at all. You can also look for sitters for your elderly loved one to ensure that while your needs are being taken care of, theirs don’t go amiss. Enjoy your winter festivities when you keep these tips in mind to make the holidays hassle-free for you! Winter is the perfect season to snuggle up inside and watch the snow fall through the winter. But winter also brings some risks associated with the snow and cold. Here are a few easy ways to reduce those risks, keeping yourself and your family members safe. Keep Fire Safety in MindFire is warm and comforting, but also dangerous. If you use a candle to create ambiance, make sure you put it out before you go to bed. Don’t leave a candle burning alone in a room, either.
Also, be careful with space heaters. Make sure you clear anything flammable away from them. If you use propane for heat, make sure your tank is secure. Establish a regular schedule with your propane delivery team, and have your tank serviced periodically to keep it in good shape. Avoid Slips and FallsTo prevent slip-and-fall injuries, make sure you keep your walkways clear of snow. Use rock salt or another ice melting agent to get rid of slick ice. If you have an older loved one, make sure they have winter boots with good traction. Consider having your in-home care provider help you get your older family member in and out of the vehicle on slippery days. Use Medications to Your AdvantageVisit your local pharmacy, and stock up on medications and remedies that are helpful for winter. Get your Rx refills in advance so you don’t run out of medication during a storm. Purchase some skin cream to treat dry skin, which is common due to the dry winter air. It’s also smart to keep some cold medicine on-hand, and to use some capsaicin or menthol gel to ease muscles that are sore from shoveling snow and tackling other winter chores. Dress WarmlyMake sure you and your loved ones have plenty of warm clothing on-hand to protect you from the snow and cold. Consider arranging for a dry cleaners nearby to pick up your laundry items so you can get them cleaned without having to leave your house. This way, you can look your best in clean clothing, but still stay warm. On cold days, it is best to dress in layers. Opt for breathable fabrics, like wool and synthetics, over cotton. Winter is a beautiful season, but it does bring about some risks. With the tips above, you can mitigate those risks and remain focused on the seasonal beauty and family time. |
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