At Vineyard Ranch at Temecula, we recognize how special the winter season is for everyone. As November steps in, cold air, snow, and temperature drops signal the arrival of the chilly season. While everyone eagerly awaits the holiday season, they should become more mindful of their safety.
Sudden temperature drops and snow and icy surfaces increase seniors’ risk of falls and accidents that can lead to serious injuries. Also, cold weather can lead to dehydration. However, there are certain winter safety and comfort tips that seniors can use to navigate the winter season safely. At our senior living community, we encourage seniors to follow these tips to help them focus on their wellness while living safely.
Staying Warm & Focusing On Comfort
Staying warm is seniors’ best way to protect their safety and wellness from the various risks associated with winter. While they have no control over the outside, they can certainly work on heating the inside of their living space to make it warm enough to feel comfortable. Here’s more on how they can stay warm and feel comfortable.
Dress In Layers
Seniors must wear warm, loose, layered clothing, probably made of thermals, fleece, and wool. Using blankets will help them trap heat. Besides the clothing, they can wear warm socks, hats, gloves/mittens, and waterproof, non-slip boots to enhance their safety further indoors.
Seniors must maintain the indoor temperature at 68°F or higher. Cold drafts cause severe discomfort. To prevent them, they can use weatherstripping or towels to seal drafts around windows and doors.
Monitor Health
Seniors need to be extra cautious about their health during winter, as lower temperatures increase their risk of hypothermia. Signs of hypothermia to look for in seniors include confusion, drowsiness, slurred speech, and fumbling hands. If any of these signs appear, they must seek immediate medical assistance.
Prevent Falls & Injuries
While poor mobility increases seniors’ risk of falling, that risk increases even more in the winter. Rain, snow, and slippery surfaces all make it difficult for them to move around safely. Here’s what they can do to reduce the risk of fall-related injuries.
Clear Pathways
Seniors should go outside only when necessary and only when the pathways are clear of snow and ice. They can use salt or sand to clear the paths. Family can assist with removing the snow using handrails and can get seniors some traction aids.
Safe Footwear
Using safe, sturdy, slip-resistant footwear, even indoors, is essential for seniors. They should wear shoes with specialized rubber soles for added traction. Shoes with cushioning will offer them comfort and stability.
Indoor Exercise
Gentle, moderate exercise does wonders for seniors and helps them stay warm even in cold weather. Those with mobility issues can do chair yoga, stretching, or walk frequently indoors during the day.
Home Safety & Preparedness
Seniors with health complications should take additional precautions regarding home safety & preparedness. They should work toward creating an environment that feels comfortable and compassionate. From physical modifications to improved heating, they should follow the necessary steps to make the home safer and more secure.
Check Heating
Sudden power outages can become a serious problem for seniors living alone. They must make sure the home heating system is running efficiently and should prefer upgrading to a high-efficiency system if they think it’s going to be really cold this coming season. Additionally, they must have the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors checked to ensure they are working.
Power Outage Plan
Given the uncertainties that can arise during the winter season, seniors must also plan for emergencies. They should have emergency kits with water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, and a way to contact family.
Heater Safety
Seniors must ensure portable heaters are kept away from flammable items and that cords are kept intact to prevent falls.
Working Towards Comprehensive Health & Nutrition
Dehydration can become a serious threat to seniors during winter. Hence, they need to ensure they are fulfilling their daily hydration needs to stay safe from the various risks associated with dehydration. Likewise, they must make specific dietary changes to ensure they feel comfortable and warm inside.
Hydration
As seniors’ ability to feel thirst decreases in winter, they must drink enough water daily to avoid dehydration. Limiting or avoiding alcohol/caffeine is suggested.
Balanced Diet
Seniors must focus on increasing intake of warm meals, root veggies, Vitamin D, and zinc. If needed, they can take supplements after consulting a healthcare expert.
Staying Connected
Staying connected with loved ones and friends helps seniors experience better mental and social well-being.
Socialize
Seniors must stay in touch with loved ones to feel connected and combat feelings of isolation and boredom. They can join virtual learning classes or visit community centers that keep them mentally engaged as well.
Seek Support
They shouldn’t feel shy about asking family or neighbors to check in or help with errands like grocery shopping.
Vineyard Ranch at Temecula – Inspiring A Healthy & Happy You
At Vineyard Ranch at Temecula, we understand how negatively seasonal transitions can affect seniors. Besides carrying out their routine, they need to work on introducing lifestyle changes, home modifications, and changes in their dressing to equip themselves with better safety measures to stay safe during the winter season. Following the checklist above allows them to experience wellness every day of the winter season while remaining safe and secure.
As winter is already here, seniors must adhere to these safety measures to enjoy a safe, vibrant winter. This will ensure they embrace the holiday season charm with all their heart.
Those seeking a reliable senior living community that follows all senior winter safety tips can contact us at Vineyard Ranch at Temecula. We are dedicated to caring for seniors’ holistic wellness. Our community spaces are thoughtfully designed to facilitate convenient navigation while ensuring residents’ safety and security. Not just residents’ personal living space, but we ensure safety across the communal spaces, too.
For more information, contact us to schedule a tour. At Vineyard Ranch at Temecula, we promote a healthy and happy aging experience for every resident.
