Ah, winter! Many people associate the season with important religious and cultural holidays, time spent with loved ones, and cozy towns decorated with snow. However, while the winter months can be full of familial warmth and meteorological beauty, they can also present unique safety challenges for older adults.

Recent research suggests that deaths associated with cold weather have risen over the past few decades, with the death rate highest among adults over 75. In the U.S., even areas with milder climates have encountered more frequent challenges with hazardous wintry weather in recent years.

As with most safety concerns, the best cure is prevention. To help seniors and their caregivers prioritize safety this winter, we have compiled a brief guide on the most common winter hazards and how to navigate them.

Managing Winter Hazards
When winter weather arrives, preparation and planning can go a long way in preventing harm and danger. The natural changes that come with aging, certain medical conditions and medications, a decreased ability to “bounce back” from illness and injury, and higher rates of social isolation and homelessness can all put seniors at a greater risk of harm. Let’s review some common cold-weather culprits that impact older adults.

Slips and Falls

Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injury among adults over age 65. Every year, millions of older adults across the country experience severe injuries, emergency room visits, and hospital stays because of a fall. While falls can happen at any time of the year, winter weather can increase their likelihood, as there is a greater potential for slippery surfaces.

Temperatures below freezing (32°F or 0°C) and generally higher moisture levels create conditions that are perfect for freezing rain, snow, and ice to develop. Untreated or improperly treated surfaces outside your aging loved one’s home can quickly become a fall hazard during and following a storm. Be particularly wary of unexpected dangers, such as nearly invisible “black ice” on roads and sidewalks or floors that have become slick from melted snow that has been tracked inside.

There are a few simple but important precautions you can take to reduce the chance of a severe fall indoors or out:

• Keep walkways safe by clearing them of snow and putting down sand or ice melting products.
• Most seniors should avoid shoveling snow, as it can increase their risk of heart attack. Consider asking a neighbor, younger family member, or snow removal service to clear it for you. Residents of a senior living community enjoy the benefit of a maintenance team to manage this for you.
• Make sure that any outdoor areas are well-lit, and consider using alternate entrances and pathways if your usual ones are prone to getting icy.
• Avoid going out in bad weather and consider using delivery services so you don’t need to go out for essentials. When you do go out, always use railings and wear non-skid, rubber-soled, low-heeled footwear.
• To avoid a fall indoors, dry off the wheels or tips of any walking aids and the soles of your shoes.
• Keep the entryway clear of any clutter that might accumulate, such as boots and coats. A coat rack, shoe organizer, or small table can help keep things tidy and out of the way.

Hypothermia

Cold-related illnesses like hypothermia are the most common winter danger for seniors after falls. Hypothermia is a serious medical condition that occurs when your core body temperature drops below 95°F. While it is typically associated with temperatures below freezing, it can occur at warmer temperatures under certain conditions, such as if you are chilled from rain, sweat, or cold water.

Because hypothermia can be a medical emergency if left untreated, it is important to familiarize yourself with the signs so that you can recognize them quickly. The initial stage of hypothermia typically features shivering or shaking, pale and cool-to-the-touch skin, numb hands and feet, increased heart and breathing rate, and increasing drowsiness or lethargy.

As hypothermia progresses, the person may stop shivering, have a slower heart and breathing rate, have low blood pressure and weakened reflexes, become increasingly confused and sluggish, and even experience incontinence and hallucinations. At this stage, it is critical to take action to prevent severe harm and death.

In the final stage of hypothermia, the person may lose consciousness and go into cardiac arrest. This stage is immediately life-threatening. The coma associated with this stage can often mimic death before the person has died due to the person’s barely detectable or undetectable breathing, rigid muscles and loss of reflexes, slowed or stopped heartbeat, cold skin, and lack of response.

If you suspect your senior loved one is experiencing hypothermia, take immediate action. Move them to a warmer place, wrap them in dry blankets, towels, or coats, give them a warm drink if possible, and call 911. Keep an eye on their breathing, remove any wet clothing if needed, slowly warm them up with an external heat source, and never assume that a person in the severe stage of hypothermia is dead.

Of course, it is far better to prevent hypothermia than to worry about treating it. Some preventative measures to avoid hypothermia include:

• Dress in loose layers and wear appropriate winter clothing, including hats, mittens, coats, and proper footwear.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to cold weather and take regular breaks to warm up if you spend time outside.
• Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and caffeine, which can increase the risk of developing hypothermia.
• Ask your doctor about any medications and medical conditions (such as diabetes, thyroid problems, and memory issues) that might impact your ability to recognize or maintain your body temperature.
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially options that warm you up, and remember to eat regularly.

Hypothermia and Dementia

Lastly, remember that older adults experiencing cognitive decline may need additional support to help prevent life-threatening injuries resulting from exposure to cold, ice, and harsh conditions. For loved ones prone to wandering or venturing out of the house without proper cold-weather apparel or footwear, consider a life-alert system or arrange for a caregiver to provide regular check-ins. An assisted living or memory care community offering supervision and monitoring with 24/7 safety and security checks for residents can be a lifesaving option for elders, especially during the cold weather months.

Indoor Safety

Did you know that as many as 20% of cold-exposure injuries occur inside the home? Regarding winter safety, the great indoors can also hide an underestimated hazard. Older adults can develop hypothermia in homes as warm as 65°F, making it important to ensure that your senior loved one’s living space is kept warm and free of drafts. Set the heat to at least 68°F and keep cold air out with weather stripping, caulk, or rolled towels. Dress warmly and use throw blankets on chilly days, even if you do not plan to go outside.

Chilly temperatures from a low thermostat or drafts are not the only indoor concern for seniors. Stay weather-prepared by checking the forecast for major winter storms and making a plan to implement during power outages. Ask someone to check on you and know who you can stay with if the power does go out. Use caution if you choose to heat your home via other means. Certain appliances, such as space heaters and generators, have specific safety guidelines and can be extremely dangerous when used improperly.

If you need to warm up in a vehicle, remember that carbon monoxide poisoning can be deadly when a car is idling in an enclosed garage. Always open the garage door before starting your engine or using a portable camping stove or similar device during a power outage.

Looking for a Stress-Free Winter?

Thankfully, while winter can present unique safety concerns for seniors and their loved ones, taking a little preventative action can go a long way in keeping older adults safe and sound.

A senior living community can be an ideal option for seniors who do not want to manage the stress of unexpected winter hazards, power outages, or cold-weather maintenance. Some communities even offer short-term stay options for the winter months or other stormy seasons.

With this support in place, older adults and their family members can breathe a sigh of relief knowing they have a safety net of assistance should they need it. To learn more about independent living, assisted living, or memory care support at any of our Central Texas and Oklahoma senior living communities, contact a member of our Cardinal Bay team today. Subscribe to our blog for more helpful resources for seniors and caregivers.