Winter is coming. Older adults need extra care when temperatures plummet: they must take precautions to prevent sickness and slip-and-fall accidents. Colder season also means extra precautions must be taken by the caregivers of Philadelphia PA. Aides and family members must be especially careful due to the extreme weather in the region known for the unpredictable weather and potholes. Here are some steps you should be taking.

Shovel The Walkways

Seniors often have balance issues. They are prone to slip on icy walkways. If they fall, they may become seriously injured.

Limit outdoor exposure on icy days. Shovel nearby walkways so they don’t slip when they go out for fresh air.

Reduce The Risk of Hypothermia for Philadelphia Seniors and Caregivers

Hypothermia occurs when your body temperature gets low. When older adults’ body temperatures fall below 95 degrees, it can lead to serious health problems. It can cause heart attacks, liver damage, kidney issues, and other conditions.

Seniors can get hypothermia from being outside or staying in a cold house. You can reduce the risk by:

Keeping the temperature inside the home between 68 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit
Making sure your loved one dresses warmly
Ensuring the senior eats enough food to maintain a healthy body weight
Avoiding alcohol
Bundling them up before they go outside
Checking up on loved ones on cold days

Be aware that certain illnesses and medications make it hard for the body to stay warm. You must be especially vigilant about your loved one’s health if they have thyroid problems, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, or memory loss. Talk to your doctor about your loved one’s medications and learn how to prevent hypothermia.

Immune Boosters

Older adults tend to have weak immune systems. As a result, they are at high risk of becoming sick during the winter. They are also likely to develop extreme flu cases that can develop into pneumonia and bronchitis.

Caregivers must take measures to protect their loved ones from illness. Here are some tips for keeping seniors healthy:

Take them for their flu and COVID vaccinations
Wash your hands frequently and make sure they wash their hands as well
Humidify the home to reduce the spread of airborne illnesses
Make sure they are eating healthy and drinking plenty of water
Promote physical activity which circulates immune-boosting white blood cells throughout the body
Take them outside occasionally for vitamin D exposure
Ensure they get adequate sleep

AmeriBest Caregivers in Philadelphia PA Provide a Helping Hand During Winter

Caring for a loved one during the winter can be stressful. Ameribest provides the care you need. You can access non-medical services from our caregivers. Philadelphia PA winters will be more manageable for you and your loved one.

We also provide options for becoming a caregiver for a family member. Philadelphia PA relatives can get paid for caring for their loved ones. We offer competitive pay, benefits, and sign-on bonuses. No experience is necessary.