Tips for Keeping Your Aging Loved One Safe and Healthy During Extreme Winter Weather
Senior Care in Arlington VA
The winter weather has already reared its head in some areas, while others are still preparing for that first hard chill or early snowflakes. Whether you are anticipating severe weather in the coming weeks or may not see serious weather until later in the winter months, as a family caregiver it is important that you take the time to prepare your aging parent so that they can stay safe and healthy 
during any extreme weather that might arise.
Use these tips to help you keep your aging parent safe and healthy during serious weather this winter season:
- Stay indoors as much as possible when there is serious winter weather.
- Encourage your aging parent to take their time and move slowly when they are walking outside during or after any type of winter weather.
- Provide your aging loved one with additional physical support and assistance to help them when walking outside during the winter. This can help to prevent serious falls that can result in potentially devastating injuries.
- Discourage your aging parent from overexerting themselves in any way during the winter months. Older adults should not shovel snow or perform other potentially strenuous activities. The winter brings a dramatic spike in the incidence of heart attacks due to exertion.
- Make sure that your aging parent stays dry at all times. Bring extra clothing, particularly socks, along with you any time that you are going to be out of the home. Wet clothing cannot properly insulate the body and can actually cause the body to lose heat extremely quickly, increasing the risk of hypothermia.
- Know the signs of frostbite, which include loss of feeling in the extremities, and white or pale coloration of the fingers, nose, toes, or other skin. This occurs when the skin itself as well as the underlying layer of tissue freezes.
- Know the signs of hypothermia, which can include disorientation, memory loss, uncontrollable shivering, exhaustion, slurred speech, and drowsiness, and be prepared to handle it properly if it does arise. This means getting emergency medical attention and stabilizing them until this attention arises.
If you are concerned about your aging parent’s safety and health during the severe winter weather, now may be the right time for you to start thinking about senior care for them. A senior home care services provider can be there with your aging parent on a schedule that is customized for their specific needs as well as the care efforts that you are able to put forth for them. This means that if your schedule becomes overwhelming while you are trying to handle all of your care needs for your senior, your children, and your home, as well as preparing for the holidays, you can still feel confident that your aging parent will still get everything that they need to stay safe, healthy, happy, and comfortable. When it comes to managing their safety needs, this care provider can help your parent understand the risks that they face and take proper steps to reduce these risks.
If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Arlington, VA, call the caring staff at Medical Professionals On Call today. 703-273-8818
Source: https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather?gclid=CKu3jt6_ydACFQlWDQodUckKmQ
Medical Professionals On Call has such a caring, professional staff who are available to step in with whatever level of care necessary for loved ones and to relieve you of that stress.
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