Winter Safety Tips for Seniors

Colder weather is making its way into North Carolina as winter takes hold. While things have been fairly mild thus far, the weather can be unpredictable. It’s important for seniors to be prepared for when winter storms and low temperatures arrive.

Check heating system. Have the heating system inspected and repaired to ensure that it is working properly. Replace the filters and set the temperature to a comfortable level. Seniors are often more sensitive to temperature changes and may get colder more easily, so you may want to set it a little warmer than usual. Make sure that they know how to make adjustments as necessary to stay comfortable.

Bundle up. When going outside, layer up. This will help to keep body heat from escaping as quickly and the cold air from penetrating through clothing. Put on a hat, scarf, and gloves to cover exposed skin. Layering up while indoors can be a good idea as well. Seniors can always add or remove layers depending on how they feel.

Increase traction. Spread salt on potentially slippery surfaces to prevent icy buildup. Check the soles of shoes and rubber ends of canes or walkers to make sure they are not too worn and smooth. Wearing non-slip shoes can help seniors to maintain better traction and balance, especially on wet surfaces.

Stock up cupboards. Winter weather can bring power outages and make travel treacherous. Making sure seniors have plenty of non-perishable foods available can reduce the need to venture out and ensure they have food should the power go out. Stock up on water as well just in case. Pick foods that are easy to make and you know your senior enjoys.

Replace batteries. The New Year is a good time to replace batteries in smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and flashlights. This will help to keep your senior safer especially if they use space heaters and when the heating system is running. Carbon monoxide is clear and odorless, so a detector is a must.

Travel with caution. Help your senior to stay on top of weather notifications so they don’t plan any trips during potential storms. Make arrangements to go to the grocery store or refill medications before a storm hits. It’s also a good idea to limit nighttime driving as this is when temperatures fall and wet roads can quickly become icy.

Check in regularly. No matter how near or far you live, call to check in on a regular basis. Find out if there is anything your senior needs and just see how they’re doing. If you’re unable to stop by in person, send a family member, friend, or neighbor to check in. Hiring an in-home care provider can also keep your senior safer by assisting them with daily activities and providing companionship. A care provider can let you know if they notice anything amiss and can help your senior be more prepared for dealing with winter weather.

Have peace of mind this season knowing that you have taken steps to improve the safety and comfort of your senior. Contact Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville at (838) 989-7263 or visit us online for more information about senior care services.

Coping With Vision Loss from Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition that can develop unexpectedly. Because vision loss begins with peripheral vision, you may not notice any significant differences at first. However, as vision loss increases, it can impact your ability to carry out daily activities and eventually lead to tunnel vision where you only have a narrow line of sight. While there is no cure for glaucoma, early detection and treatment can help slow development and allow you to make the most of your remaining eyesight.

What causes glaucoma?

Glaucoma is generally caused by an increase of pressure within the eye that can damage the optic nerve. There is fluid that continuously flows around the eye, but when this flow is disrupted or slowed, it can lead to a buildup of pressure. Medication, eye drops, and surgery are some common forms of treatment that support better vision.

Dealing with vision loss

There are numerous ways that you can manage vision loss to continue living safely and independently.

• Stay organized. Make sure that each item in your home has its own place, and when you use these items, always put them back where they belong. This consistency and organization can help you to locate things more easily on your own, even if you have low vision. Ask that family members or visitors also return things to where they got them.
• Contrast. Creating contrast by using brightly colored tape or opposite colors can help you to differentiate between objects or see the edge of stairs, counters, or doorways.
• Magnification. Wearing glasses that magnify, or using a magnifier can help you to see print and smaller objects more clearly. You can also opt for large print books and devices to help you stay as independent as possible.
• Auditory reminders. If it becomes difficult to read fine print, use auditory reminders instead. Set alarms to remind you to take your medication and record notes for yourself instead of trying to write them down. Relying on your other senses can help to compensate for low vision.
• Be proactive. Have your vision checked regularly to monitor glaucoma progress. Ask about seeing a low vision specialist who can equip you with assistive devices or modifications that align with your vision needs. They can determine what would be most effective and how your low vision impacts your daily living.
• Ask for help. An in-home care provider can support you with daily activities such as managing medication, preparing meals, organizing mail, tidying up around the house, reading, maintaining your calendar, and more. You can opt for a few hours a week or a few hours a day depending on your level of need and ability.

Glaucoma shouldn’t stand in your way of living a life you enjoy. Contact Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville to learn more about available in-home care and senior services. Call (828) 989-7263 or visit us online for more information.

Winter Driving Tips for Seniors

Many seniors see driving as a form of independence and are reluctant to hand over the keys. While they may be okay driving when conditions are good, the winter can be a different story. Snow, sleet, and ice, as well as fewer hours of daylight can pose many challenges. Before your senior hits the road, make sure they’re prepared to deal with driving conditions.

• Have their car serviced. Ask the mechanic to give it a good once-over and fill up any fluids, replace worn belts or tires, put on new windshield wipers, and check the battery. You can have a little more peace of mind knowing their car is in good working order for winter.
• Make sure they have a phone. Remind them to keep their cell phone with them and to charge it before they leave. If your senior isn’t too tech-savvy, there are basic phones with larger buttons and fewer features that are easier to use and they can keep with them in case of emergency.
• Create an emergency kit. Keep essential supplies in their car such as an ice scraper, a small shovel, extra blankets, a flashlight, flares, jumper cables, bottled water, snacks, and a first aid kit. Sand or cat litter can also help to provide traction on icy patches. Should they become stranded, they will have the necessities to stay safe and warm until help arrives.
• Travel during daylight. Not only does visibility decrease at night, the temperature drops which can make wet roadways turn icy very quickly. It can be harder to see icy patches in the dark. Furthermore, it is easier for your loved one to become disoriented or lose their way on less familiar roads at night.
• Stick to main roads. Main roads tend to be cleared and salted more quickly than side roads. These roads are also more well traveled, so if trouble arises, it can be easier to find help than on a deserted back road.
• Leave extra time. Remind your senior to pay attention to the weather forecast and leave themselves plenty of time to get to their destination. While out and about, they should leave extra space between them and the car in front of them. They should also apply the gas and breaks slowly to help prevent skidding or stalling. If they do start to skid, they should turn into the skid, not out of it.

Encourage your senior to limit their driving during winter weather and stick closer to home. An in-home care provider can help them to run errands, stock up on groceries, and prepare meals ahead of any pending storms. They can also provide assistance with other tasks around the home and with basic personal care. Contact Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville at (828) 989-7263 to discuss in-home care options today.