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| Dianna Malkowski |
by Dianna
Malkowski, Physician Assistant and Nutritionist
The elderly
are especially at risk during weather extremes,
because of limited mobility, instability that can lead to slips and
falls, physical changes that make it difficult to regulate body temperature and
flu dangers.
With the
extremely cold weather we’re experiencing across many areas of the country,
monitoring our seniors is more important than ever. If you have an elderly
friend, relative or neighbor who lives alone, call or visit once a day. If you
don’t live nearby, call daily or ask someone to check in on your loved one. Keep
emergency telephone numbers posted where your loved one and visitors can
clearly see them, and consider equipping the home with a monitoring system and
large-button amplified phone.
Avoiding
heating-related dangers: In extremely cold weather, people often try to heat
their homes using unsafe methods. Space heaters should never be used
unattended, for long periods of time, on surfaces that are not heat-safe, or
near curtains and other flammable materials. Candles should never be left
unattended. Cooking ovens and grills should never be used as heat sources
because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and fire hazard.
Guarding
against hypothermia: The elderly are at risk in cold weather because the body’s
ability to maintain a constant internal temperature decreases with age. In
addition to sleeping ith a down comforter and using a heated throw or lap throw
indoors, it’s helpful to dress in layers, paying special attention to hands and
feet with warm slippers and perhaps even light gloves. Outdoors, it’s essential
to dress in warm layers, including hats, gloves and scarves to warm air before
breathing it in.
Preventing
slips and falls: Tips to prevent falls outdoors include shuffling slowly to
keep two feet on the ground, wearing nonslip shoes and keeping hands free for
balance. Canes with large quad bases can make walking safer and easier,
especially on uneven surfaces. While rubber cane tips and bases can help with
stability on slippery areas, it’s important to keep surfaces free of snow and
ice. Places to look for snow removal help include family, friends, neighbors,
churches and senior centers.
Fighting the
flu: Older adults are at greatest risk of complications from the flu, including
dehydration and pneumonia, according to the American Red Cross. If an elderly
loved one becomes ill, encourage her to see her doctor and take her if
necessary. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there
are three ways to fight the flu: (1) getting a flu vaccine; (2) avoiding
contact with germs; and (3) taking flu antiviral drugs if a doctor prescribes
them.
For further help, visit our Caregiver Resource Library and download our
free fall prevention guide.
Dianna
Malkowski is a Board Certified Physician Assistant and Mayo Clinic trained
nutritionist specializing in diabetes, cancer, wound healing, therapeutic diets
and nutrition support. She serves on the board of professional advisers for The
CareGiver Partnership and enjoys working with patients and caregivers alike.
Ask Dianna a question.
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