Activities for Seniors | October 18, 2022
Autumn Safety for Seniors | There’s much to enjoy about the transition from summer to autumn. The intense heat begins to subside, the leaves change colour, and we ready ourselves for the holiday season. But like all other seasonal transitions, there’s a tradeoff, and with the positive changes come certain challenges to our health and safety. Seniors, in particular, are at risk around this time of year. Colder temperatures, the presence of influenza, and even fallen leaves can severely threaten seniors’ well-being and independence.
#DYK | Older adults account for more than 50% of flu-related hospitalizations and more than 80% of flu-related deaths.
Fortunately, by following a few tips and best practices, seniors can stay safe and enjoy everything that the autumn season has to offer. Here are a few to share with senior clients.
While the flu may not be as detrimental to the health of younger people, seniors are at risk from flu complications, such as pneumonia and bronchitis. These complications can result in serious illness, hospitalization, and even death. Adding to this, the flu can also worsen pre-existing conditions. Vaccines to consider include Fluzone High-Dose, Fluad, and Flublok Quadrivalent – but it’s important to talk to a physician or other healthcare professional about the most appropriate option.
In addition to vaccination, it’s best to take additional steps toward reducing the risk of the flu:
As the temperature falls, it’s common to start using space heaters or fireplaces to warm up the home. Seniors should ensure that flammable objects are kept far away from these types of appliances. It’s also important to inspect fire extinguishers to ensure they are in working condition, and that batteries are replaced in smoke detectors.
While on the subject of dropping temperatures, seniors must protect themselves from the cold. Although autumn doesn’t present the same bitter weather as winter, there’s still a palpable risk. The National Institutes of Health reports that hypothermia can develop rather quickly after being exposed to relatively mild cold temperatures. Seniors should venture outside only when necessary. When they do, it’s important to dress in layers of loose-fitting clothing.
Though certainly pleasing to the eye, fallen leaves can easily cause seniors to slip and fall. They should be raked away from the driveway and sidewalks. This is especially important once they become slippery and soggy from the rain.
If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help with retirement care, 24-hour care, respite care, senior care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, senior living transition services, and much more!
Comfort Keepers®’ are trained caregivers who help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home.
Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses companionship, safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).
Moreover, our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality: empathy. Empathetic care is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our client’s exact needs.
To learn more about senior care in Edmonton, contact the Comfort Keepers® office to discuss our unique service offering. If you live in Devon, Edmonton, Sherwood Park, or Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact Comfort Keepers at 780-465-4665.
References:
Medical Alert System Reviews. “5 Autumn Safety Tips for Seniors” by Susie Slack. Web. 2016.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “CDC Says ‘Take 3’ Actions to Fight the Flu.” Web. 2018. WebMD. “Flu Can Have Dangerous Domino Effect on Seniors” by Robert Preidt. Web. 2018.
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