With winter weather and below-freezing temperatures, the Ohio Department of Aging (AGE) is encouraging older Ohioans and caregivers to be prepared.
“Ohio winters can bring sudden challenges, so preparation is key,” says Ursel J. McElroy, director of the Ohio Department of Aging. “Older adults and their caregivers should plan ahead to stay safe, warm and connected. And let’s remember the power of community. Check in on neighbors and friends who may need a helping hand during severe weather.”
Be Prepared
Have an emergency plan and kit that will allow them to remain in place for at least three days if they are unable to safely leave their homes. A comprehensive plan and kit should include:
A battery-operated radio, flashlight and extra batteries for both of those items.
Food that can be opened and prepared easily without electricity.
One gallon of water per person, per day.
A first-aid kit and backup supply of medications.
Spare glasses, extra hearing aid batteries, and non-powered alternatives to assistive and medical equipment that may not work without electricity.
A loud horn, whistle or bell that can help first responders locate an individual in an emergency.
The names and phone numbers of people to call for help if needed.
A plan for where to go if it is unsafe to remain at home, and a plan for how to get there.
They are also encouraged to ask a reliable family member, friend or neighbor to visit or call in an emergency and agree on a plan for what they should do if they are unable to reach you.
Caregivers should plan for the possibility that they will not be able to physically be with their loved ones — or that their loved ones may need to leave their home for safety — by doing the following:
Know the locations of nearby emergency shelters and have a plan for getting your loved one there, especially if you don’t feel safe driving.
Identify trusted neighbors or nearby individuals who can act as backup caregivers in a crisis.
Let your backup caregiver know about your loved one’s condition and how to communicate with them effectively.
Store a recent photo of your loved one and copies of their medical documents on your phone to share with first responders, if needed.
Check Your Neighbor
Checking in on older friends, relatives and neighbors during severe weather helps them feel connected and gives you an opportunity to spot potential issues and help them get assistance if they need it.
Check their home: Is the temperature comfortable? Are they heating it safely? Is there any damage to their home? Are outdoor walkways clear of snow, ice and debris?
Check their health: Do they appear alert and aware? Have they fallen? Are they taking their medications as prescribed? Do they need medical attention?
Check that their daily needs are being met: Do they have safe food and water? Are they able to do what they need to do? Do they have someone to call for support and a reliable way to call for emergency help if they need it?
You can check in on a loved one or neighbor by telephone, text message, email, video call or in-person if it is safe to travel.
Preventing Falls and Cold Weather Injury
Take special care during wintry conditions to prevent falls and cold weather injury.
“Winter weather can increase the risk of falls for older adults, so a few simple precautions can make a big difference,” says Dr. John Weigand, medical director for AGE. “Wearing boots or shoes with good traction, slowing down and allowing extra time to get where you’re going, and making sure steps and handrails are sturdy can go a long way to help older Ohioans avoid the worst consequences of wintry days.”
“In addition to falls, older adults are more prone to cold weather injury including frostbite and hypothermia, a potentially life-threatening condition related to low body temperature, due to decreased circulation in their arms and legs,” Weigand adds. “Dressing in layers and limiting exposure by staying indoors can help Ohioans stay safer in the cold weather.”
Your area agency on aging may be able to direct you to emergency warming centers and shelters in your area. Call 1-866-243-5678 to be connected to the agency serving your community.
Helping Your Parents Stay Independent in Their Homes
Our parents want to stay as mobile and independent in their own homes as long as possible.
According to the 2024 U.S. News & World Report, “Aging in Place with Assistive Tech Survey”, it found 47% of seniors report feeling safer while using assistive technologies and 32% respondents feel more mobile as a result of using assistive technologies like health mobile apps, health trackers and medical alert devices.
However, the survey found while the goal is to “age in place” meaning to stay in their home, only 41% felt their current setup was minimally ready to not ready at all.
It states, their home was lacking components such as no-step entry, a voice- or remote-controlled thermostat, virtual assistant devices, and/or height-adjustable products.
Having a conversation with your parents about their mobility needs can seem difficult. It’s a good idea to ease into a discussion by asking questions and make sure they don’t feel they’ve become the child and you are the parent.
If you and your parents are looking into home aids, here are a few things to consider.
–Bathroom Tools: on-Slip Bath mats, Shower Chairs and Hand Bars. Available at most retailers with a variety of different brands.
–LifeAlert. This wearable option provides immediate assistance while at home or away. lifealert.com
–Medication Reminder Apps. Have them install apps to help remind them to take their medications. According to GoodRX,
Medisafe, Dosecast, and EveryDose are three examples of popular medication reminder apps that are available through the Apple App Store and Google Play.
– Smart Canes. There are plenty of new options that allow people with mobility issues to find canes that are lightweight, have LED lights and are foldable at various retailers.
–Smart Security Services. Products such as Ring cameras and doorbells allow a greater sense of security and peace of mind for your parents. They can assess who comes to their door and allows them to keep track of what’s happening at home or when they are away. Available at various retailers.
–Meal Services, Grocery Pickups and Deliveries. Find local supermarket options that provide services where your parents can pick up their groceries without having to step inside the store. Also, food delivery such as Instacart might be a good option. Also, contact your local area agency on aging to find out available services.
