In many parts of the country, winter’s chill is forcefully gripping the air. The next few months will urge the majority of us inside to keep warm and avoid the discomforts of colder weather. For seniors, the prospect of facing a snowy, icy, or otherwise freezing climate can be a daunting one. But these conditions are even more hazardous for those living with dementia, as the bite of winter often presents a number of heightened risks to their physical and mental health.
As we brace for the thick of winter, the following are some important insights about the realities facing seniors living with dementia, as well as helpful information on how to maximize physical and mental well-being during this difficult time of year.
Before we discuss the best ways to support seniors living with dementia during the coldest season, it’s necessary to have a solid understanding of the actual threats facing this population. It’s certainly true that winter can be a dangerous and difficult time for any senior, but dementia adds another layer of risk and vulnerability to the equation.
Consider some of the following ways seniors with dementia are at a significant disadvantage when it comes to staying safe and healthy throughout winter:
Given the many risks posed to seniors living with dementia this time of year, it’s important to take preventive measures that help ensure the safety of your loved one. Here are some vital tips for making the wintry months less hazardous for seniors in this situation.
Ensure they are equipped with warm clothing, shoes, and layers, including a heavy coat and outdoor accessories like a hat, scarf, and gloves. Check-in on them to ensure their skin is not cold to the touch, and monitor body temperature to ensure it doesn’t drop below 95 degrees. If it does, seek immediate medical attention.
For optimal ground traction, make sure they are outfitted with solid shoes featuring non-skid soles. Assist them with walking outdoors (or ensure someone else is there to do so), and serve as their extra set of eyes to identify slippery spots and unstable surfaces. Position a doormat to prevent moisture from accumulating on hardwood floors inside, and encourage them to transition to another set of stable shoes upon reentering the home.
Do what’s necessary to forge an adequate support system of family members, friends, and neighbors so that too much isolation doesn’t snowball into serious depression and anxiety. When face-to-face contact isn’t possible, digital communication can help bridge the gap. But in-person contact and ongoing social engagement is one of the best ways to mitigate the risk of declining mental health. Also consider the benefits of ensuring curtains are opened wide during daylight hours, as well as installing special bulbs that simulate sunlight.
To help address the dangers of getting lost outdoors in the cold, it may be necessary to ensure your loved one is accompanied when they leave home, to equip them with an easy form of emergency communication (mobile phone, alert system, etc.), and even outfit them with clothing that is bright and reflective so they are more easily seen. If this issue becomes a more serious concern, it may be time to consider an elevated component of care.
There could come a time when ensuring the safety of your loved one living with dementia is too great a challenge to maintain their existing environment. The hazards of winter can be a defining element in realizing the severity of a senior’s progression with dementia. Often, these individuals have specialized needs that can’t necessarily be met when living at home, even if they have the benefit of a loved one’s time and care.
So as you navigate these difficulties at such a wearisome time of year for so many, consider whether a memory care community might be a better alternative for your loved one. These communities are specifically designed to cater to the unique needs of seniors battling dementia and can be an ideal opportunity for supporting your loved one with the extra level of care they require.
To learn about UMH communities, including the memory support services provided for residents and their families, visit our memory care page, contact us today or schedule a complimentary visit now. For additional tips on senior health and lifestyle issues, check out our blog.