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25 Dec 2017

How to Ensure Your Senior Loved Ones Stay Safe This Winter

   

Topics: Senior Health

It’s that time of year again: winter. While winter brings the holidays, good cheer, and family time, it also brings a variety of hazards that can threaten the wellbeing of your senior loved ones. Thankfully, there are measures you can take in order to protect your elderly family members from this unforgiving season.

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Make sure you check each one of these items off your list to ensure your senior loved one makes it through the winter season as healthy and happy as can be.


Winter Footwear Is Essential

You may not think that buying your senior loved one a new pair of shoes may make a big difference to their winter safety, but it’s essential. The proper non-slip footwear can be what saves them from slipping on the ice and falling.


Arrange for Proper Snow Removal

If your senior loved one has a walkway or driveway, they likely won’t be able to shovel it themselves. If they do try, they could seriously injure themselves from the strain. If they ignore the snow, this could lead to a slippery walkway.

Instead, make arrangements to have someone clear the walkways and laneways and lay salt down. A slip-free winter is best for everyone.


Don’t Forget about Exercise

When the weather’s crummy, it’s harder for your elderly loved one to get the proper amount of exercise, especially when walking outside is off the table. However, it’s essential that they stay active to reap the health benefits of daily exercise.

There are many options for exercising in the winter. From signing up for Pilates classes together to helping with at-home workouts, you can help your senior loved ones stay safe by helping them get moving.


Keep the Lines of Communication Open

You always want to make sure your loved one views you as an approachable person to bring their problems to. When they feel like they can openly discuss their personal feelings and problems with you, they’re more likely to draw your attention to things that may be bothering them and that could ultimately put them in danger this winter. They may want to speak up about needing warmer clothes, for example.

You never want your loved one to think they’re burdening you—make sure they know their safety is your number-one priority.


Visit as Often as Possible

Nothing will make your senior loved ones happier than seeing you. As long as the road conditions permit you to travel, you should make as much time as possible to visit your elderly family members. This way, they will feel less inclined to come to you, which can reduce their risk of sustaining a winter-related injury.


Schedule Regular Visits

You’re a busy person. Sometimes, life can get in the way of frequent visits with senior loved ones. You shouldn’t feel like your absence is putting your family member at risk.

Give yourself peace of mind while also giving your loved one the best care by scheduling in-home visits with a reliable senior care provider. Whether it’s around-the-clock care or daily visits from a companion, you’ll feel better knowing someone is keeping an eye on your loved one and they’re well taken care of this winter.


Make Suitable Transportation Arrangements

Getting from one place to the next shouldn’t put your loved one at risk. By making suitable transportation arrangements ahead of time, there will always be someone there to help them from point A to point B.

Whether you call a taxi ahead of time, or have a friend pick them up, a reliable form of transportation will prevent them from trying to walk or drive in harsh conditions, which may not be in their best interest.


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Tennille Kerrigan

Tenille is the president of Senior Helpers Canada, the premier franchise that delivers on what families and their loved ones need most. She has bachelor’s degree in business administration from York University, and has over 10 years of experience as a business owner and director. With Senior Helpers, our franchisees provide the professionalism and expert care that families and their aging loved ones require.

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