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Layer Up for Warmth: Due to thinning skin and slower metabolic rates, older adults are often more susceptible to cold weather. When going outdoors, make sure your loved one is dressed in layers, including thermal undergarments, sweaters, a well-fitting winter coat and accessories like hats, gloves and scarves. Check their winter boots for worn soles or holes that may let in snow or rain. Your loved one may also benefit from bundling up indoors. Make sure they’re stocked up on warm sweaters, socks, slippers and blankets.
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Non-Slip Footwear: Boots and shoes with good traction can prevent slips and falls. Look for shoes with rubber soles or anti-skid attachments, and avoid footwear with smooth soles. Ice and snow can be easily tracked indoors in the winter, so it’s also important that their indoor footwear, including slippers, are similarly designed for traction.
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Maintain Walkways: Older adults are at the highest risk of any population of being seriously injured and hospitalized by a slip on the ice. These accidents can also happen while shoveling snow, so if possible, assign someone else, whether a family member, friend or hired professional, to regularly clear snow and ice from walkways or entry points to your loved one’s house. Ice melt, sand or kitty litter can also be poured on ice to provide traction. When taking a loved one to appointments or other outings, make sure parking lots and sidewalks are safe for them to navigate, and make sure they have the support they need to walk with as much stability as possible.
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Hydration: The dry air in winter can lead to dehydration, which is a greater risk for older adults. Make sure your loved one’s residence is stocked with beverages, including water in case of emergencies like frozen pipes. Many water bottles and flasks on the market are also designed to carry different recommended daily fluid intakes, with time markers to help guide your loved one in staying hydrated throughout the day. A doctor can help you determine how much water your loved one should drink per day, based on their age and weight.
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Virus Protection: During the winter months, the risk of colds, flu and COVID-19 is heightened. Encourage your loved one to practice good hygiene by washing hands regularly, using hand sanitizer and avoiding close contact with individuals showing symptoms. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines or boosters can reduce the severity of both, which is extra important for older adults who are at the highest risk of hospitalization and contracting pneumonia from upper respiratory illnesses.
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Regular Check-ins: Stay connected with your loved one, especially during severe weather conditions. Phone calls and virtual visits can be a great help, but if the weather conditions look particularly unsafe, try to find someone who can stay with your loved one in-person.
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Emergency Preparedness: Lastly, make sure your loved one has plenty of essential items on hand in case of an emergency, such as being snowed in or losing power for an extended amount of time. These can include a supply of medications, flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, bottled water and emergency contact information.