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Keeping Seniors Safe in Extreme Winter Temperatures

Given the recent 'bomb cyclone' blasting the north east, keeping seniors safe in these record-breaking frigid temperatures is imperative. Because the elderly are most susceptible to the negative effects of winter weather, Julie Kastholm and Debbie Russell, owners of Handle With Care, have provided a few tips below to ensure every senior stays warm and safe during the long winter nights.

1) Keep thermostat set to 68 degrees or above-Hypothermia is one of the most serious weather related issues you need to watch for with senior adults. Seniors even risk hypothermia in their own homes in cases when the temperature falls below about 60 degrees.

2) Stick to routine-Seniors with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia sometimes experience Sundowners Syndrome (increased agitation, anger, confusion and memory loss during the evening hours) during the winter months. Establishing a consistent schedule, increasing light into the home and promoting a calm environment in the evening can help lessen the impact of loss of light.

3) Avoid social isolation-Senior isolation is a risk factor which can lead to depression and several other health issues, especially during the winter. While it's easy to stay indoors, it's important to spend extra face time with elderly loved ones or arrange for hands on, professional care and/or transportation to help them maintain social connections.

4) Check food supply and prescriptions well in advance to plan refill pickups. They may forget to eat or not have a way to get vital medications once the weather hits.

5) Shovel & Salt-Walkways can be incredibly dangerous for seniors during the cold weather and can lead to falls. Pay someone to shovel & salt the snow, or get the grandkids involved and let them shovel instead of an elderly adult. Create slip-proof paths and make sure seniors always wear shoes or slippers that grip when indoors.

Handle With Care is an in-home care and assistance program in Elmhurst, IL. What sets Handle With Care apart is its creative and thoughtful approach to adding joy to everyday life. Handle With Care was recently acquired by a national franchise, Senior Helpers. For more information, please visit http://handlewcare.com or email info@handlewcare.com.

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