Sub-freezing temperatures, snow and ice can be hazardous for all seniors and are especially concerning for those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. The Rochester & Finger Lakes Region Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association offers safety tips for navigating the season and keeping loved ones safe throughout winter.
By preparing themselves and their homes in advance, caregivers can make a big difference in keeping their loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia safe. Some tips include:
•Be prepared. Winter storms can be dangerous for anyone. Check weather conditions regularly and have contingency plans in place. If a snowstorm is on the horizon, consider rescheduling appointments that are not urgent. Tackle to-do lists in one trip to avoid making multiple trips out of the house.
•Bundle up. Help the person living with Alzheimer’s dress warmly for winter weather conditions by covering exposed skin. A good option to consider is wearing several layers of lightweight clothing for easy movement.
•Prevent slips. Balance and mobility can be a challenge for a person living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, so assume all surfaces are slick. Assist the person living with dementia by wearing sturdy shoes and walking slowly when outside. Keep sidewalks and driveways clear, use handrails or walk arm-in-arm. Consider acquiring a state-issued Handicapped placard to enable closer access to buildings.
•Prevent wandering. Wandering is one of the most frequent and challenging problems caregivers face and can be extremely dangerous in colder conditions. If a family member wanders, start by searching the immediate vicinity inside and outside the home. In winter weather, a missing vulnerable adult is an emergency, so don’t hesitate to call 911 and alert responders that the individual has Alzheimer’s. Consider installing a doorbell camera or other outdoor monitoring device.
•Make daylight last. Winter months bring decreased sunlight and shorter days. Turn on indoor lights earlier or install timers, open curtains during daylight hours, and consider installing motion detector lights to help illuminate walkways around the home.
To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and ways to support families and people living with the disease, visit http://alz.org/wny.
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