By Chris Krichten, Executive Director of Risk and Life Safety
There is something magical about winter weather, and a special kind of excitement and anticipation that comes with an impending snowstorm. These weather events trigger the mind to go back to snow days, sledding hills and ski trips – all the fun stuff! However, as we age, the priorities around snow days shift. The conversation takes a turn to snow removal, reorganizing travel or rescheduling appointments. The colder temperatures and icy conditions call for extra care and preparations, especially when we are trying to create a safe community for seniors.
Let’s not fear the forecast! Winter is meant to be enjoyed. Here are some tips for staying active, comfortable and confident as possible before, during and after the storm.
Pull out the Winter Wardrobe
With our campuses in Pennsylvania and Maryland, season after season, our community for seniors has seen the weather be unpredictable. However, we are prepared for whatever temperatures come our way. We have to be when recently we’ve seen it be 50 degrees one weekend and 15 degrees the next. The key to staying warm and your first winter safety defense is in your closet! Dress in layers and select coats, hats, gloves and scarves that insulate the heat.
Watch Your Step
If you must go outside, wear non-slip shoes and boots that improve traction. Snow and ice can make walking more challenging. Be mindful and take smaller steps and use handrails, if available, when walking on slippery surfaces. Assistive devices such as a cane or walking stick could also provide reassurance and help the senior feel more stable and confident getting to where they need to be.
Build a Winter Weather Kit of the Real Essentials
Everyone makes a run to the store for bread, milk and eggs. While these groceries are helpful, think about other essentials you use and need on a daily basis and build your own winter emergency kit. This includes prescription medications and pet supplies, for example. Also consider thinking through what would happen if you lost power. Essentials then include extra blankets, flashlights with batteries and gallons of water. In this kit, add a list of family and important contacts just in case cell phone batteries run low. You just never know!
Make the Indoors Safe and Cozy
It is equally important to keep homes and apartments safe in the winter. A common culprit that can create unsafe conditions inside is the space heater. Following manufacturing instructions and keeping the area around the space heater clean and uncluttered are good first steps to limit the risk of this helpful.
A Winter-Safe Community for Seniors takes a Team Effort
Now is the time to take care of each other. If you are senior, reach out to a trusted neighbor, friend or family member and let them know your winter weather plans and ask them to check in or help with snow removal or what you might need. If you are family member worried about your loved one, help them plan and encourage them to take the necessary steps to put their safety first.
In our campus community for seniors, we place the health and safety of residents above all else and we want everyone to enjoy the beauty of the winter wonderland – without worries. For additional resources and tips for winter storm preparedness, visit the American Red Cross’ Winter Storm Safety guide or the National Weather Services’ Winter Preparation Check List.
If this winter season has been a wakeup call and it may be time to move into a community for seniors that takes care of most, if not all, of the winter safety concerns, I encourage you to reach out to our local advisors to start the conversation of how we may be able to help you or your loved one.
Stay safe out there!
