Brrr! As we begin the new year, we also enter into what feels like the longest months of winter. Statistically speaking, January and February are the coldest months of the year, and as the temperature drops, we need to take precautions in order to remain safe, secure and warm when the cold winds blow. And if you’re a caregiver of a loved one with dementia, these winter months come with additional problems and difficulties.
“Short days, inclement weather and bitter temperatures bring special problems for individuals with dementia due to the nature of their disease,” says Jennifer Trout, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Hingham. “You’ll want to make sure your home and living situation are suited for the unique issues facing you and your loved one at this time. Fortunately, with a little planning and common sense, you can make wintertime safe for everyone involved.”
Here are some of the top considerations for keeping your loved one with dementia safe during the winter months.
1. Bundle up – indoors and out. As we age, our sensitivity to cold increases, which can heighten the risk for hypothermia and frostbite – even indoors! It’s important to make sure your home is warm and toasty, and that your loved one with dementia is always dressed appropriately for the cold weather.
- When going outside, make sure that exposed skin is covered as much as possible. Consider layering your loved one in comfortable and lightweight clothing so they can stay warm while maintaining mobility.
- Our heads are where most of our body heat can escape, so it’s essential for your loved one with dementia to always wear a hat outside. Keep necks nice and warm with a scarf, and don’t forget to keep fingers and toes toasty. Mittens may be a good choice instead of gloves because they keep hands warmer and are easy to slip on and off.
- In order to make things easy and remind your loved one what the weather is like outside (he or she may not remember what time of year it is), keep winter gear in a visible and easily accessible place, such as on a coat rack by the door. Since accessories (like scarves and gloves) are easy to lose, buy some extra pairs so you always have some at hand. It’s also a good idea to buy items that have bright colors or are otherwise easy to distinguish – that way, if your loved one wanders off or gets lost, you have something visual you and others can identify.
- Seniors who are extremely sensitive to temperatures can actually develop hypothermia indoors if it’s not warm enough. Be sure that your home is at least 65 degrees at all times (preferably warmer). Make sure your loved one has plenty of blankets and warm clothing to layer on so he or she can stay warm. Don’t forget the importance (and coziness) of thick wool socks and slippers.
2. Mange sundowning effectively. Sundowning, also known as “late day confusion” is a common symptom of people with dementia. During the winter months, this symptom can become exacerbated due to fewer hours of daylight, which can hijack our body’s circadian rhythms.
- Make your home as bright and light as possible. Turn lights on at an earlier hour, throw back the curtains during the day or install light bulbs that simulate sunlight.
- Be sure there’s plenty of light at night, too. Consider installing motion-activated lights so your loved one can walk safely in the hallways without falling. Since shadows can be frightening to people with dementia, be sure rooms are well-lit, including bedrooms.
- Having a regular routine is one of the best strategies you have for helping manage sundowning. Be sure to stick to the routine as much as possible.
- Be aware that seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can cause sundowning to become exacerbated as well. Watch your loved one for signs of depression and consider speaking to their doctor to see if an antidepressant can help.
3. Avoid slips and falls. Getting out and about can be extra tricky with the addition of ice and snow. People with dementia often have mobility issues, so it’s important to make sure their paths are clear to avoid a trip to the emergency room.
- Invest in non-skid footwear. Consider boots that are attached with Velcro instead of shoelaces so your loved one can successfully dress themselves. You can also purchase special “tracks” that can be added on to the soles of footwear for extra traction.
- Take it slow and steady with small steps. There’s no rush, and by being careful and leisurely, your loved one will be able to walk safely with your assistance.
- Keep your driveway and sidewalks free and clear of ice and snow.
- Remember that your loved one may not recognize that ice is slippery or that snow is difficult to walk in, so be cautious when navigating on foot.
- Park in a garage or indoor parking structure as much as possible.
- Get a state-issued handicapped placard so that you can park as close as possible to a building’s entrance.
4. Stay healthy. Because winter drives us indoors, there’s a greater chance of catching a nasty cold, flu or cough. Seniors have weakened immune systems, making them more susceptible to bugs and more likely to develop complications.
- Make sure you and your loved one get a flu shot.
- Practice good hygiene: wash your hands thoroughly and use hand sanitizer.
- Pay attention to your loved one’s health and don’t hesitate to go to the doctor if something develops.
- Ask friends and family to reschedule outings or visits if they aren’t feeling well themselves.
5. Be prepared for winter emergencies. Power outages and snow storms can cause you and your loved one to become homebound or otherwise compromised during the winter.
- Make sure you have plenty of non-perishable food, water, blankets, candles and flashlights to keep you safe if the lights go out.
- Have an emergency cell phone that’s charged at all times. This can be an old cell phone you don’t use anymore (since you can call 911 from any cell phone, even without a plan).
- Know where you can go in the event of an emergency. If your power will be out for a while, is there a warm place you and your loved one can stay? What services are available if you need help but are snowed in?
If you would like more information about winter safety tips for your loved one with dementia, contact us at 781.749.7114.
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Bridges® by EPOCH at Hingham provides assisted living and memory care that is comfortable, positive, safe and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia or memory impairment, we’ve created a wellness-focused lifestyle that promotes dignity and individual preferences. Our memory care professionals receive specialized and ongoing training designed to help residents maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment – making a truly positive impact on the lives of our residents each and every day.
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Call us today at 781.749.7114 to learn more about Bridges® by EPOCH at Hingham or to schedule a personal tour.