How to Keep an Elderly Loved One Safe in Winter

The months of winter can be brutal.

The winter is a time that can be dangerous, especially for the elderly. Not only is there the danger of the cold, but there is also the possibility of them injuring themselves or slipping and falling on the ice. Make sure to help your elderly loved one through the winter by doing a few simple things.

Instructions

1. Help with the grocery shopping. Whether you have to go and get some of the groceries yourself or actually go with them to the grocery store, make sure that he has some help especially when there is snow and ice on the ground. In the winter, it is especially a good idea to have extra food on hand in case of a big snowstorm. Make sure that his refrigerator and pantry is fully stocked with all the food that they need.

2. Do the snow shoveling. Many elderly people try to do it themselves because they know it needs to get done and they don’t want to bother someone else. Instead of waiting for your loved one to hire someone or call someone to do it, head over to their home and shovel it for them.

3. Call your loved one frequently. Check and see if there is anything that they need or if there are any problems that you could help with.

4. Walk the dog. Some people have no backyard to let their dog out in and in and it could be troublesome for them to walk their pet in the winter. Stop by at least once a day and walk their dog so that they don’t have to go out and risk slipping on the ice. If you can’t do it, then hire someone to walk their dog instead.

5. Pick up any prescriptions. Some pharmacies have no delivery service, so the person has to go out to pick it up. If you go to pick it up, your loved one does not have to worry about going out.

6. Buy a pair of warm, flannel sheets as a gift. The cold can be awful in winter and those that are older are more susceptible to getting sick if they don’t stay warm enough. The sheets will serve double duty; it will be a nice gesture as well as keep them warm.

7. Check the home for any drafts coming in. Not only is there the risk of your loved one getting a cold, but the heating bill could skyrocket. Do a quick inspection of any cold air coming in through the windows and doors. These problems can easily be fixed by buying an insulator kit and some draft stoppers.

Tips & Warnings

• Many of the elderly aren't so fond of asking for help, so you may have to just go ahead and do some things for them without them asking or before they can turn down your offers.