Winter Safety  |  February 3, 2021

Winter Safety Tips for Seniors in the Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford, and Surrounding Areas of Nova Scotia

Comfort Keepers is here to help your senior loved one stay safe this winter

Winter is an especially important time for family and caregivers to keep an extra eye on seniors to make sure they are staying safe and warm. The ice, snow, and isolation can pose many problems and Comfort Keepers is here with tips your family can do. Falls are often always a concern but can be more likely during the cold months — one-third of seniors fall each year in the Canadian winter poses a special risk. It is important to make sure sidewalks and driveways are always salted and shoveled.

Way to Reduce Falls During the Winter Months

Seniors over the age of 65, especially those with high blood pressure and heart problems, should leave snow removal to someone else. The combination of strenuous work and blood vessels constricted by the cold air raises the risk of heart attack. Falls and severe muscle strains are also a higher risk during cold months. If your senior loved one does go outside in the cold months, a few tips to keep in my mind:

• Dress warmly in layers with a hat and gloves
• Cover your mouth to protect your lungs
• Limit the time outdoors and stay inside on windy days
• Drink warm liquids and foods

Parkinson’s disease, severe arthritis, and certain medications your senior loved one may be on can increase their vulnerability to hypothermia.

Signs of hyperthermia can include, uncontrollable shivering, numbness, confusion, drowsiness, loss of coordination, stiff muscles, slurred speech, slow and shallow breathing, slow and irregular heartbeat, and weak pulse. Seek medical attention immediately for anyone you believe is suffering from hypothermia. Keep the person dry and warm with blankets. Do not rub limbs to warm them. Encourage the person to drink hot, nonalcoholic, caffeine-free beverages.

Home Safety Tips

Our caregivers can help to keep your senior safe and warm during this winter season. They will take the extra steps to keep their household safe and a few things we do are:

• Have all chimneys and flues inspected yearly and cleaned as needed
• Before winter have the furnace inspected to make certain it is in good, safe operating condition
• Install smoke detectors on all floors of the household
• Make sure the carbon monoxide detector is working properly
• Make sure there are plenty of warm blankets and clothes
• Have non-perishable items stocked
• Always have extra batteries and candles

At Comfort Keepers in the Halifax area, your loved one’s safety and health is our top priority. Our caregivers can provide in home care seniors to keep them safe this winter season. To learn more, please contact us today!

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