– by Shauna Dorko –
Now that the holidays are behind us, that last long stretch of winter looms ahead, presenting weather challenges that especially for seniors can result in discomfort and physical harm.
Freezing rain, sleet and black or clear ice can turn the ground into an unintentional skating rink, challenging for all of us, let alone seniors with mobility issues. Repercussions can include heart attacks from overexertion, hypothermia, frostbite, falls resulting in fractures or strained muscles and joints, and car accidents. Windy conditions, that we so frequently experience on our Island, can cause power and communication outages, with the added potential of interfering with electrical medical devices.
Seniors’ mental and emotional health can be affected as well, with depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) as they often shut themselves indoors to avoid inclement weather.
It is important for us to ensure that seniors stay safe and are properly prepared for the perils that winter can bring. The following suggestions include some checklists for establishing winter preparedness in order to make the colder, wetter months ahead more comfortable and manageable.
Keep winter storm supplies on hand and easily accessible. These may include a flashlight with extra batteries, first aid supplies, non-perishable food, water, additional heat sources such as a fireplace or space heater that are properly vented, a fire extinguisher, extra blankets, a weather radio, matches in a dry storage container, and extra prescriptions in case you can’t get to the pharmacy.
Help to prepare the senior’s home by insulating pipes to prevent freezing, covering water spigots, sealing cracks and air leaks, and covering windows to prevent penetration of cold or heat loss. Know where water and gas shutoff valves are located, check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detector (install if not currently in use), and ensure accessibility to snow removal equipment or removal services.
Other emergency precautions include contacting the local utility company to let them know that your senior may need assistance in a power outage, especially if the senior requires medical devices dependent on electricity; learning yourself how to operate your senior’s medical equipment in an emergency with accessibility to backup batteries; and setting up an alternate means of communication in case of a power outage.
These proactive measures and maintenance tips will give you peace of mind that your senior loved one will be safe and warm when the next storm strikes. Until we meet again … let’s continue to partner together in advocacy for seniors!
Written in collaboration with Sherrin Griffin. We welcome all comments, suggestions and ideas for future columns. Please email us at news@seasidemagazine.ca with “Seniors” in the subject line.
