Have you ever stopped to think about the impact winter weather has on your parents’ lifestyle? It’s harder to walk on snow and ice, so they may stop taking walks that are essential to good health. They may not be able to drive on icy, snowy roads, so they go without necessities like medications and food.
Make sure your parents are safe this winter. Here are the aspects of winter safety that you need to talk about with them.
Fire Safety
As the temperatures get colder, it’s more likely that your parents are running their boiler or furnace. If it’s propane or natural gas, the risk of a gas leak or carbon monoxide increases. If they heat with wood or wood pellets, fire and carbon monoxide are dangers.
They need to have working smoke and fire detectors. They also need working carbon monoxide detectors. Their heating system should be cleaned and inspected ASAP, if it hasn’t been done yet.
If your parents use space heaters to warm up a drafty room, they need to use them safely. Make sure they’re at least three feet away from furnishings, pet beds, and curtains. Devices with built-in shut-off are ideal in case the heater gets bumped or knocked over. Setting them on a timer ensures they’re not accidentally left on.
The other thing to make sure that your parents do is create a plan for escaping a fire. They need to have several exits in mind and practice them regularly.
Proper Attire
If your parents go outside for a walk in the winter, make sure they have the appropriate attire. Gloves, a warm, water-resistant jacket, and insulating boots with tread designed to grip ice and packed snow are essential.
Inside, they should dress in layers. If they’re too warm, they can take off a layer. If they’re cool, they should add a cardigan or pullover to warm up. While reading a book or watching TV, a lap quilt can keep them warm enough.
Ask Senior Home Care Aides to Check In
Hire services from a senior home care aide. You might not live close enough to do the important things like making sure your parents have heat and their pipes aren’t frozen.
A caregiver can stop in, make sure they have warm meals, enough non-perishable food on hand before a storm hits, and that refills of prescription medications is ordered on a timely basis. Call to make arrangements for regular visits from senior home care aides.
