Five Winter Safety Tips for Your Senior

For lots of people, winter is the best time of year. For your senior, there may be some particular safety issues that you need to address for her.

Use an Ice Melt on Paths and Walkways

Salt and sand are what most municipalities spread to keep roads clear of ice and snow, but that’s a little less practical for home use. Something you might want to consider using is a non-toxic, pet-safe ice melt. These products melt and help to prevent ice and snow buildup, especially if small amounts are expected. Some shoveling will still be necessary if lots of snow falls.

Double Check Her Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Winter is one of the most common times of year for fires and for problems with carbon monoxide. To minimize the risk of either issue for your senior, make sure that she’s got working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If she has a full-house alarm system, some even monitor for both smoke and carbon monoxide. Test batteries every month and replace them at least twice a year.

Don’t Forget Space Heaters

Space heaters are a wonderful tool to supplement central heating when it’s cold outside, but they can be dangerous. If your senior is using an older space heater, make sure that it has safety features like automatic shutoff if the unit falls over. If it doesn’t, then it’s a good idea to replace the space heater. While you’re at it, make sure that there’s plenty of room around the space heater for it to function properly without overheating.

Service Fireplaces and Gas Logs Before Using Them

Fireplaces, both wood-burning varieties and those that use gas logs, need a bit of servicing now and again to remain safe to use. Take some time to sort out what type of service your senior’s particular setup requires and try to get that service done before the weather gets too bad.

Have Someone Check in Daily

If you don’t live with your senior, it can be difficult to keep up with all that’s going on with her during colder winter weather. It helps to have someone like experienced senior care providers stop in and spend some time with her. They can keep you up to date on what she needs and what she’s experiencing.

Winter can be a beautiful time of year, but it comes with its own hazards. No matter where your senior lives, she’s likely dealing with cold temperatures and possibly with ice and snow. All of that creates specific problems that you need to manage in advance, if possible.

If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in East Brunswick, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Care Street Home Care Serving Somerset and Middlesex/Union Counties today. Call (732) 607-8870.