The winter months can pose a number of hazards for older adults, which is why it’s imperative for caregivers and loved ones to take steps to ensure their loved one’s safety before there’s an emergency. As you’re celebrating the new year, be sure to take some time and set yourself up for success – and safety.

Seniors are more susceptible to winter dangers because of underlying health conditions and the natural process of aging. Seniors with dementia have an additional layer of issues, because they may not have the ability to take steps to protect themselves. Fortunately, there are many things you as a caregiver can do to prepare for issues and stay ahead of winter’s worst.

Here are seven tips you can follow to make sure you and your loved one stay safe, warm and happy during these winter months.

1. Pull out the winter wardrobe (and put away summer clothes).

Seniors naturally have slower metabolisms and blood circulation than younger individuals. In individuals with dementia, they may not be able to listen to their body’s responses if they’re getting too cold. Your loved one may also not know what time of year it is and run the risk of going outside in unsuitable garments. That’s why it’s good to put away lightweight clothes and instead make sure that sweaters, blankets, warm pants and cozy socks are available at all times. Be sure to put coats, scarves and gloves in a place where your loved one can see them so they more easily remember to put them on, even if they need encouragement to do so.

2. Turn up the heat.

Hypothermia and frostbite can occur very easily in older adults. In fact, depending on your loved one’s health, they could actually get frostbite while still inside the house. It’s recommended that you should keep the temperature no lower than 68 degrees. Warmer is definitely better. Make sure your loved one is warmly dressed, even indoors. You may also wish to consider buying portable heaters that you can turn on if a room gets too cold (although these carry risks of their own). Monitor your loved one’s comfort at all times, because he or she may not know when they’re cold.

3. Stock your cabinets.

Severe snow and ice storms can cause power outages for days. It can also make it nearly impossible to get outside and travel to the store if you need groceries or other items. Make sure your house is stocked with everything you need to ride out an incidence of bad weather. Besides having plenty of nonperishable and nourishing foods on hand, be sure to have bottled water, batteries (both AA and alternate solutions for charging cell phones or tablets), flashlights, candles, extra medication and of course, warm clothing. Make sure you also know what emergency hotlines to call in the event that you’re stuck in a winter storm and need assistance.

4. Reduce the risk of falling.

Falls are the number one cause of injury for older adults, and that risk increases in the winter months. Ice, snow and wet surfaces pose major slip-and-fall hazards, and since the majority of individuals with dementia have balance and mobility issues, it’s essential to ensure a safe environment for them. Minimize the chances of slips and falls by buying your loved one sturdy, anti-slip shoes. Make sure that walkers and canes are equipped with new non-skid tips, and always be sure that walkways are clear and free of ice and snow.

5. Get a flu shot.

Flu and cold season is upon us, and being cooped up in small spaces encourages the spread of germs. Although social distancing and mask wearing is still critical due to COVID-19, getting a flu shot is just one more precaution you can take to keep your loved one safe and healthy. Seniors are more apt to develop complications if they come down with the flu, so look into various community resources to see how you and they can get free or low-cost shots from a nearby clinic. Frequent handwashing and sanitizing are good ways to reduce the spread of many harmful germs.

6. Get your daily dose of Vitamin D.

Vitamin D is a super vitamin that can help reduce blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks and depression. It also boosts calcium absorption and improves immune system function. While taking supplements is one way to meet your daily vitamin D requirement, you can also get it through foods like shrimp, salmon and dairy products. Of course, going out in natural sunlight is one of the best ways to get vitamin D, but that can be hard to do during the cold winter months. If it’s too cold outside to take a stroll, make sure your loved one sits near a window for about 15 minutes a day, or look into light therapy boxes. This may also help reduce the occurrence of sundowning.

7. Make sure you exercise.

Staying physically active keeps your body healthy, and that’s even more important during the winter months. It can also help with balance and muscle tone – both things that will help your loved one reduce their fall risk. Consider exercise you and your loved one can easily do together, such as YouTube yoga classes, balance exercises or even an impromptu dance party in the kitchen. As long as you’re moving around and getting your blood pumping, you’ll get the benefit of an endorphin boost (as well as all the other benefits of being physically active).

Avoiding winter risks is never completely possible, but by being prepared, you and your loved one will be set up for success for the new year.

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