Senior Tips: How to Stay Safe and Warm During Winter

Senior Tips: How to Stay Safe and Warm During Winter
Medicare

Winter brings more than just a chill to the air; it also carries with it specific health hazards for seniors. It is critical for seniors to be warm and protected from cold weather threats during the coldest months of the year in order to maintain their health and well-being.

Here are some suggestions to help you get through the winter.

 

Plan for bad weather

 

Unless you live in a warmer climate or plan to spend the winter in the south, you'll almost certainly have to deal with snow and ice at some time this season. Make sure you're ready ahead of time by having shovels and salt on hand; you don't want to waste time looking for them. You never know when you'll need an ice scraper, so keep one in your car.

It's also a good idea to prepare for power outages caused by bad weather. Prepare a kit with items you'll need if your power goes out, such as a flashlight, batteries, water, nonperishable food, and any prescriptions you're taking.

This will save you from having to fumble about in the dark for things you need, which can lead to falls and accidents.

 

Go through your closet and see what you have

 

To help you through the winter, make sure you have plenty of warm gear on hand. Check goods like sweaters and jackets that may have been neglected for several months to make sure they're in good shape and free of moth holes or other wear and tear that decreases their ability to keep you warm.

If you rotate your clothes on a seasonal basis, now is an excellent time to do it. Make sure your winter clothing is easy to find when you need it. Consider investing in some all-weather boots with slip-resistant rubber soles if you don't already have a pair; they'll keep you safer in ice situations.

 

Also Read: The Signs That Your Senior Loved One Requires Home Care

 

Get Your Chimney Serviced

 

Although it may appear to be a minor concern, failing to clean out your chimney can have major implications. Due to the creosote that can build up inside a chimney after frequent use, improperly maintained chimneys cause thousands of house fires each year. Aside from the risk of fire, creosote can lead to the accumulation of hazardous substances that can make you sick, as well as an excess of carbon monoxide in your home, which can be fatal. It's critical to have your chimney and fireplace inspected at least once a year to verify that they're in good functioning order.

 

How to Stay Safe and Warm During Winter

 

Smoke Detectors Should Be Tested

 

While having properly maintained smoke detectors is a good idea at any time of year, it is especially important during the colder months, when the usage of space heaters and other potential risks, such as holiday lights and fireplaces, increases. By pressing the test button on each smoke detector and waiting for it to screech, go through your house and make sure they're all functional. If you're having trouble with your balance or mobility, have a family member or neighbor climb up and examine them for you. If you have carbon monoxide detectors, you should test these as well.

 

Also Read: Safety And Heat Awareness for Seniors

 

Ensure that you have enough food in your pantry

 

Having nonperishable food on hand is beneficial all year, but especially during the winter months. Whether you lose power during a storm or are unable to leave the house for food due to heavy snow, having a supply of healthful canned products and other nonperishables on hand will be beneficial. Fish like tuna, sardines, and mackerel, as well as canned beans, are high in protein. Prunes are high in vitamin C and fiber, while canned veggies and low-sodium soups are good sources of other critical vitamins and nutrients. Make sure you have a manual can opener on hand, as well as lots of bottled water.

 

Take Care of Your Winter To-Do List

 

What's the common thread that runs through all of these suggestions? Being prepared ahead of time so that you are ready in the event of an emergency. Setting aside some time now to take care of a few extra details will keep you warm and secure throughout the winter.

 

Call medicare

 

 

 

 

Related Posts

Senior Tips: How to Stay Safe and Warm During Winter

Sat, Oct 17, 2020 12:46 AM

medicare service
Does Medicare Pay for Home Health Care?

Medicare is covered only by home health care services prescribed by a physician and delivered by qualified nurses, although patients must meet strict eligibility criteria.

Senior Tips: How to Stay Safe and Warm During Winter

Mon, Oct 19, 2020 5:16 PM

medicare service
Easiest Way to Apply For Medicare

What is the easiest way to apply for Medicare? Well, you are in the right place! Most people were automatically enrolled and became eligible for Social Security when they turn to 65. We didn't need to apply for Medicare until President Reagan signed the legislation which raises the retirement age in 1983 and begins in 2003.

Senior Tips: How to Stay Safe and Warm During Winter

Mon, Oct 19, 2020 6:54 PM

medicare service
Can You Claim Prescription Glasses on Medicare?

While eye care is a common need as we age, Medicare coverage is extremely restricted for most vision services. It is normally based on whether you encounter any medical problems that can impair your eyesight. 

Senior Tips: How to Stay Safe and Warm During Winter

Tue, Oct 20, 2020 11:53 PM

medicare service
What will it Cost You When you Join Medicare?

Many people believe that Medicare is free because, for much of their working life, you have paid into Medicare by taxes, but that assumption is not right.

Senior Tips: How to Stay Safe and Warm During Winter

Fri, Oct 23, 2020 8:44 PM

Medicare Part C
Guide: Medicare Advantage 101

For those who are willing to sign up for Medicare, Medicare Advantage, also known as "Medicare Part C," is more of a catch-all option. Medicare Advantage services