Since September is National Healthy Aging Month it’s a good time for tips on staying healthy, especially when it comes to aging in place or anywhere else. Health awareness is an extremely important factor as you age, and National Healthy Aging Month serves as a reminder to help look at your lifestyle, habits, and choices, and where changes can be made to improve your quality of life.

Read on to learn more about National Healthy Aging Month 2019 for things you can do to promote better health, and how to have a happier, more relaxed lifestyle as you age.

National Healthy Aging Month in 2019

Every September, National Healthy Aging Month serves as an observance and as a reminder that it is possible to maintain health, even as you age. Your lifestyle choices and how you go about living your life has a lot to do with both physical and mental health. As you age, it’s easy to fall into patterns of depression or loneliness, which can undoubtedly impact your physical health.

Some of the healthy aging tips and tricks may seem like an old hat or common sense, but sometimes a friendly reminder is all you need to get up, get out of the house, and get social.

Tips and Reminders for Healthy Aging Month

When it comes to healthy aging month, one of the top tips is to beat boredom or routine (without, of course, being too risky). The same humdrum routine can take a toll day after day, and researchers advise changing it up to promote health. This can include some of the simplest things, such as:

• Adding spices and herbs to foods (providing your diet can handle it)
• Go for a hike
• Try yoga or tai chi
• Make lists of things you want to do – and follow them
• Avoid toxic people and relationships

Health-Related Advice for Healthy Aging Month

In addition to some of the more common-sense advice above, you can also go about celebrating healthy aging month by being more in tune with your health. If you’re late for any testing, such as your colonoscopy, mammogram, or another important test, it’s time to schedule. One of the best ways to provide yourself with peace of mind is getting the testing done so you can breathe easy, or getting early intervention if the results are positive.

Experts also recommend joining social groups or clubs and maintaining friendships. Everyone needs social interaction, especially as you age. Healthy aging month focuses on forming healthy friendships, which promote good mental health. 

Other tips include:

• reviewing your medication list (including all over-the-counter medications) with your doctor every few months
• getting plenty of rest
• changing up your diet to feel less sluggish (under the guidance of your doctor). 

Let this month serve as a reminder that you’re in control when it comes to your health, and you can improve your quality of life by following a few pieces of advice. 

For more information about National Healthy Aging Month, or to hear about mobility products that can also aid in quality of life, such as stair lifts or wheelchair ramps, contact Williams Lift Co. today. It is time you and your caregivers live the best life possible.

When it’s hot outside, it’s important for everyone—from age 1 to 101—to hydrate properly. However, for the very young and very old, becoming dehydrated can lead to much more than just a sudden need for water or a brief rest—it can lead to serious medical problems.

Hydration for seniors especially is important, but sometimes simply saying, “Hey, you should drink more water” is not quite enough to do the trick. Not only are there hydration tips for seniors that every caregiver or family member should know about, but there are also signs of dehydration in seniors that everyone should be aware of. Read on to learn about seniors and hydration, symptoms of dehydration in seniors, and how you can help if there’s an emergency.

Hydration for Seniors: Why the Elderly Are More at Risk

While everyone is at risk of becoming dehydrated during the summer if they don’t drink enough water, hydration for seniors is especially important and lack of water can become a medical emergency.

Why Is Dehydration a Problem?

As people age, the ability to conserve water is affected. Also, electrolyte imbalances can change over the years. Water requirements typically increase, not decrease. Hydration for seniors is important as a senior doesn’t retain fluids in the same way that a younger person does. Sometimes, this is apparent if the patient is suffering from incontinence, but it may not always be so obvious. Causes of dehydration in the elderly can be many things, from incontinence to imbalances, to simply just not drinking the recommended amount of water each day.

Hydration Tips for Seniors: How to Notice Dehydration

Whether you are a senior yourself or take care of someone to which hydration for seniors is important, it’s a good idea to know what dehydration in senior citizens looks like. Keep on the lookout for:

• No urination at all or very little
• Urine with a pungent smell
• Darkly-colored or orange urine
• TachycardiaWeak pulse
• Cold hands and feet

All of the above signs could easily be effects of dehydration in the elderly. Once symptoms begin to appear, this is when dehydration in seniors may require immediate care. The first thing to do, sensibility, is to make sure that the person drinks some water or drinks such as Pedialyte, in order to restore any electrolyte imbalance. If this isn’t possible, the best hydration tip for seniors who are visibly dehydrated is to take them to the nearest emergency room for intravenous (IV) fluids. If the electrolyte imbalance is not corrected, seizures may occur.

Hydration Tips for Seniors: Preventing Dehydration

The best thing to do is to prevent dehydration before it happens. Most adults should drink at least 64 ounces of water each day. This can be tough to track, so it’s a good idea to ask a friend, family member, or caregiver to help. If you’re a caregiver taking care of a patient, presentation is everything, Provide them with cups that are easy to drink out of, are aesthetically pleasing, and help them enjoy drinking water and staying hydrated. Also, make sure cups are clean, sterile, and free from germs, as food safety is also imperative. A good hydration tip for seniors is ensuring that they are actually enjoying the act of drinking water. For some, it’s a cheerfully-colored cup.

If you want more tips on how to prevent dehydration or would like information on how mobility products can help you or your patient live their best life, contact Williams Lift Co. today to learn more about our wheelchair ramps, stairlifts, and other products.

Even if you’re completely satisfied with the level of care that your parent or loved one is receiving, it’s still a great idea to be aware of the different New Jersey regulations. Perhaps your loved one needs more advanced medical care, has a home health aide to help with daily tasks and to combat loneliness, or is in a nursing home or assisted living facility.

Knowledge is power, and learning more about the different state and federal laws can certainly help in the unfortunate event that your loved one is being mistreated or is not being taken care of properly. Read on to learn more about what the regulations are, what agency regulates home health care agencies in NJ, and how to file a complaint if you need to.

Who’s in Charge of New Jersey Home Health Agency and Assisted Living Regulations?

Learning more about the bureaucracy behind New Jersey home health agency and assisted living regulations is paramount, particularly if you ever have to ask the question, “how do I file a complaint against a home health agency in NJ”?

The New Jersey Department of Health is the agency that is behind both NJ home health agency regulations and NJ assisted living regulations. In fact, their reach extends far beyond home health agencies and assisted living facilities. The NJ Department of Health also polices, guides, and can investigate complaints and claims for all hospitals, nursing homes, medical day care centers, and ambulatory care centers. The Department of Health is also the licensing agency that provides aides and administrators who work in these fields.

How Do I Find New Jersey Home Health Agency and Assisted Living Regulations?

If you feel that a regulation has not been followed properly, or you if you feel that a patient is being abused or mistreated, you may be wondering what the New Jersey regulations are before you file a complaint. Whether it pertains to assisted living violations or home health care workers, the NJ Department of Health lists all rules and regulations on their website at state.nj.us. The regulations are many and this may be tough to weed through; it may be a good idea to ask a healthcare advocate about home health care regulations in addition to doing your own research.

How Do I File a Complaint Based on NJ Home Health Agency and Assisted Living Violations?

If you need to know what agency regulates assisted living facilities in NJ, the answer remains the NJ Department of Health, although depending on the nature of the violation, the person at fault may also have to answer to Medicare noncompliance or the violations division, as many state agencies are also mandated with regulations through Medicare. In most cases, the regulations are tied to the federal level, incorporating many of the same standards and rules.

If you are wondering, “how do I file a complaint against a nursing home in NJ,” or you want to file a complaint against an assisted living facility or home health worker or aide, the Department of Health can manage your complaint in one of several ways. You can file a complaint online via the state.nj.us website, or you can call 1-800-792-9770, which is a 24-hour hotline. This hotline is the best number to call for complaints about hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home health care workers, and any other licensed healthcare worker or facility.

All licensed healthcare workers must be in compliance with regulations at all times. Concerned parties may also file a complaint by fax or by mail, to the New Jersey Department of Health, Division of Health Facility Survey and Field Operations, PO Box 367, Trenton, NJ, 08625-0367.

To find out more about New Jersey home health agency and assisted living regulations, or to learn more about mobility products that can help with home healthcare, such as wheelchair ramps or stair lifts, contact Williams Lift Co. today. We want both patients and their caregivers to always have access to living their best lives.

As people age, their abilities to negotiate tasks such as climbing stairs can become severely impaired. Stairs may seem like a simple task, but stair safety is critically important to the elderly or to those with a mobility (or even a visual) disability. Modifying stairs for the elderly is a smart idea, as it promotes safety and lessens the chances of accidents.

Read on to learn about how a stair aid device can help in modifying stairs for the elderly, and other ideas to help keep patients safe.

Modifying Stairs for the Elderly: Reasons

More and more seniors want to age in place, which essentially means growing old gracefully at home, where they are comfortable and happy. However, sometimes there are some safety risks involved with letting a loved one age in place, but with certain modifications, the risk of accidents is much less. Modifying stairs for the elderly is a big concern, as well as altering the kitchen to ensure safe cooking and food preparation. While helping the elderly with stairs works when you’re around as a caregiver, no caregiver can be present 24 hours a day, which makes modifying the stairs an important point.

Modifying Stairs for the Elderly: How to Make Stairs Safer

There are devices such as stair lifts that are extremely helpful, but in some cases, many caregivers may be wondering how to make stairs safer so that their loved one can continue to use the stairs. One of the best things to consider when modifying stairs for the elderly is sturdy, non-slip handrails. A person who can navigate the stairs fairly well, even with age, typically does well with a sturdy handrail. There are many options for modifying stairs when it comes to handrails, such as:

• Wooden
• Metal
• Chrome

Handrails are essential not only on inside staircases, but also for porches and decks as well.

Also, when it comes to modifying stairs for the elderly, open stairs should be closed. Open stairs (stairs with open space in between each step) pose quite a safety risk as one ages. Non-slip adhesives should also be installed on steps so that the risk of falling is much less.

Modifying Stairs for the Elderly: Stair Lifts

For some, modifying stairs for the elderly will comprise of a chair to carry the elderly up stairs, which greatly reduces the risk of accident.  In fact, this is likely the best way of helping the elderly down stairs and up stairs. A stair lift is a motorized chair that glides up the length of the staircase, allowing the elderly to get up and down flights without having to take a step. This is different than a wheelchair lift, which is specifically built to hoist a wheelchair up and down stairs. In a chair lift, the person has to be mobile enough to sit in the chair and exit the chair at the top. This is one of the biggest steps when it comes to modifying stairs for the elderly, but is also one of the safest.

To find out more about how a stair lift can help reduce accidents and make aging in place more comfortable, or to hear about other mobility products such as wheelchair ramps, contact Williams Lift Co. today. We want both patients and caregivers to live their best lives.

Smartwatches may be technologically advanced timepieces, but they’re not just for the younger generation. In fact, a smartwatch for seniors actually offers some excellent benefits to help keep them safe. With the right apps, smartwatches for seniors can be used as a heart monitor watch or a fall alert system.

Read on to learn about different types of smartwatches emergency watches for the elderly and how these devices can help keep your parents safe as they age.

Smartwatch Options for Seniors as Medic Alert Devices

Having the right apps is imperative so that the smartwatch for seniors is used correctly. An Apple watch for seniors (known as the iWatch) is a great idea and actually doubles as an Apple watch medical alert device or an Apple watch EKG monitor. However, there is also an app available for the iWatch known as Alert, that can send a notification to contacts when an elderly person has fallen, can’t get up, or is in another situation that requires caregiver help. This is a one-touch operation, which makes this smartwatch for seniors a great idea. It is much easier than trying to locate a phone, searching for contacts, and then dialing contacts. The app can also respond to physiological changes (similarly to an EKG) to alert the person before they are actually in trouble. This allows the senior to call for help before they’re completely immobilized or in pain.

Smartwatch Options for Seniors as GPS or Tracking Devices

There is always the fear of elopement when it comes to an Alzheimer or dementia patient, and the right smartwatch for seniors has GPS tracking in it so that the patient can never truly be lost. A tracker for dementia patients is truly a good idea so the person can never wander too far.

While the Apple iWatch has the “Find my iPhone” feature, it doesn’t have a distinct GPS tracker, so if this suits your needs more than EKG or fall alert, a GPS tracking watch for the elderly may be the better option. Of course, many of the available GPS smartwatch options for seniors also have emergency call features as well. Some notable GPS smartwatches for seniors include:

• Wonbo – offers one-touch emergency call alert and trackable GPS
• Synmila – simple and designed for children; offers SOS calls and GPS
• Tyco GPS – can record routes, offers GPS and SOS calling

Smartwatch Options for Seniors for Medical Alerts

Some smartwatches for seniors function primarily as medical alert systems. Essentially, they’re replacing the old-style analog bracelets or call monitoring systems that were once heavily advertised and used. Everyone remembers, “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up.” These types of medical smartwatches can help a senior feel safe, especially one who is aging in place. These are not typically used as a tracking device for the elderly and are mainly for medical purposes.

Some of these include:

• MobileHelp – This is integrated with AT&T, has fall detection, and offers some GPS tracking for seniors
• Medical Guardian – Offers fall detection
• GreatCall Lively – This medical smartwatch offers a fall alarm for the elderly and GPS tracking

Unfortunately, as of 2019, there is no one smartwatch for seniors that “does it all.” However, with a knowledgeable person downloading the right apps, the Apple watch for the elderly is a top product.

To learn more about different technological advances for the elderly and smartwatches for seniors, or to find out more about mobility products that can help, such as stair lifts or wheelchair ramps, contact Williams Lift Co. today. We want seniors and their caregivers to live their best life.

Some seniors are well aware of a slight cognitive decline as they age, which may affect their driving, while others may be more insistent about driving “business as usual.” No one wants to hear that they’re too old to drive, but for some, this may be the case. For others, senior driving safety is a must. Awareness is the most important thing when it comes to elderly driving, in addition to senior driving safety tips that everyone over the age of 65 should follow.

Senior Driving Safety and Statistics

Elderly driving statistics report that there are 33 million drivers over the age of 65, which is quite a large population. Of that group of elderly drivers, the fatality rates are 17 times higher than that of the 24-year-old age group. This has to do, in part, with the fragility of seniors, but also with a lack of awareness and cognitive decline. Simply put, elderly people driving can be a little scary, and there have been numerous attempts at retesting elderly drivers. In fact, some states do have graded licenses, and some do have special requirements such as retesting. New Jersey is not currently one of those states that offer an elderly driving evaluation. Therefore, senior driving safety must be an implemented standard to keep everyone safe on the road.

Health-Related Senior Driving Safety Ideas

It’s always important to take care of your health, but taking care of your health with regard to senior driving safety is imperative. Experts advise that those over the age of 65 should have their vision checked. Even if it seems okay, the gradual decline of visual acuity as we age might not be noticeable.

It is also important to get your hearing tested, another “sense” that can affect old age and driving and senior driving safety. You need to be able to make sure you can hear a horn or other sounds on the road clearly.

Lastly, it’s important for a senior driver to understand their medications. When it comes to older driver safety, it’s important to know what medications interact with other ones, which ones interact with alcohol, and which medications simply should not be taken before driving (such as opioids). One of the most prominent senior driving safety tips is to know your medications well before you get behind the wheel.

Other Senior Driving Safety Advice

Beyond health, there are many older driver safety tips to consider. Some of these include:

• Be aware of driving conditions. Generally, a good piece of senior driving safety advice is to simply stay home in low visibility, extremely wet weather, ice, and snow. Some seniors are also uncomfortable driving at night. If you are uncomfortable, you should not drive.
• Buy and drive a car with automatic transmission. It’s much more common these days to have only an automatic. For senior driving, operating a manual gear shift can be tough for someone who has arthritis.
• Take familiar routes. It’s best to drive where you are familiar so that you feel more comfortable and drive with confidence.
• Keep up with your auto maintenance. Another good piece of senior driving safety advice is to ensure that your windshield wipers, headlights, seat belts, and defrost controls are working properly at all times.
• Make sure your vehicle is properly equipped for your needs. Wheelchair-friendly cars are an ideal choice for those who have mobility issues. This can help increase your confidence and comfort.
• If your state does not offer a driving assessment for the elderly, take a defensive driving course for older persons, which is usually offered through AAA or AARP.

One of the most important things to keep in mind with regard to senior driving safety is to not drive if you feel uncomfortable or unsure. There is no shame in having to take the bus or call a taxi if you’re simply not feeling well that day.

For more senior driving safety information, or to learn about mobility products that can help improve your mobility, such as stair lifts or wheelchair ramps, contact Williams Lift Co. today. We’re here to help you live your best life, at any age.

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the home, as it’s long been known as a gathering spot, a place of celebration, and a place to get together with family and friends. However, the kitchen can also be one of the most dangerous rooms in the home. Kitchen safety for seniors is of the utmost importance if you are a caregiver. Unlike a toddler, who is just learning to crawl and explore, many seniors are well-established cooks that have made countless meals for their families over the years.

While you never want to take away a hobby or something someone loves, cognitive decline is an unfortunate reality, and kitchen modifications for the elderly and an elderly-friendly kitchen makes sure that everyone is safe and happy. Beyond modifications, there are also food and preparation tips that can also promote kitchen safety for seniors.

Kitchen Safety for Seniors: Stove Safety Devices and Modifications

When it comes to safety hazards in the home for the elderly, the stove is one of the most dangerous. It is estimated by FEMA that the elderly have a 2.5 time greater risk of dying in a kitchen fire when compared to the general population. Because of this, stove safety, especially gas stove safety for the elderly, is of the utmost importance. Before you install a stove alarm or modify the appliances, look around the kitchen first. Many times the dangers lie not in the stove itself, but factors that could potentially cause a fire.

Tips for stove kitchen safety for seniors include:

• Remove all potentially flammable items from the vicinity of the stove—this includes paper towels, pot holders, dish towels, and any similar items
• Ensure that your loved one does not wear loose fitting clothing while they are cooking—this has a better chance of igniting
• Turn all pot handles inward (and remind your loved one to do so also) to prevent scalds, burns, and other accidents
• Install a working smoke detector in the kitchen
• Make sure plastic cooking utensils are stored well away from the stove
• If the kitchen is equipped with any type of ventilation system, make sure it is properly cleaned
• Install bright lighting over the stove so it is easier to see
• Have a qualified electrician check the kitchen wiring to ensure its safety

When it comes to safe cooking appliances for the elderly, and stovetop modifications, one of the best things to promote kitchen safety for seniors is to install a shut-off switch (or even several). This includes a shut-off switch on the stove and finding other small appliances that are already equipped with one (such as a tea kettle). The safest cooktop for the elderly is one that has a motion sensor pre-installed. This way, if no one has been near the stove within a specified amount of time, the appliance shuts off.

Kitchen Safety for Seniors: Microwave and Small Appliance Safety

When using small appliances, it’s important to keep these tips for kitchen safety for seniors in mind:

• Make sure the microwave has minimal buttons and easy to use. A small microwave with a dial/timer is a great idea.
• Find a refrigerator that has a large-print digital temperature display so the temperature is easily set. If the patient is in a wheelchair, a refrigerator that is side-by-side makes it much easier for them to open the freezer. Note: for food safety, the refrigerator should be set at 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Choose irons (many people have a tendency to iron in the kitchen), coffee pots, and other small appliances with the shut-off switch. If they are not included, consider installing a shut-off outlet.

Preventing Falls and Other General Tips for Kitchen Safety for Elderly People

There is much more than fire when it comes to potential hazards in the kitchen. Tips for kitchen safety for elderly people also must include information about fall prevention. Make sure your loved one always wears non-slip slippers or shoes in the kitchen. Also, tile flooring can be the most hazardous. If recovering or replacing tile is not possible, consider placing non-skid rugs throughout the kitchen, especially in front of the sink where water can splash to the floor creating a slippery surface. Food safety is also a concern. Other tips for kitchen safety for seniors to keep in mind:

• Install motion-sensor activated night lights so your loved one can see when they enter the kitchen
• Replace glass items with plastic ones (such as cups and mugs)
• Ensure heavier objects are at waist level and not on a higher shelf
• Use one cutting board for meat and one for vegetables
• Store meat and perishable in tightly sealed and labeled containers (with written-on dates)
• Use pots and pans that are equipped with two handles

This may seem like a lot of work, but it is so vitally important to keep your loved one safe. You can’t keep an eye on them all of the time, even if it is your intent, so ensuring that their kitchen is a completely safe area is an important job.

To hear more tips on kitchen safety for seniors, to learn about other safety needs such as bathroom aids, or to get information regarding medical devices that can help improve mobility for your loved one, contact Williams Lift Co. today to learn about wheelchair ramps, stair lifts, and other mobility products to improve your loved one’s quality of life.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, older adults (those 65 and over) are 10 times more likely to suffer from a foodborne illness than younger generations. When it comes to preparing food or cooking for the elderly, great care must be undertaken to ensure that food has been handled properly, and that the food itself is safe. Here are several food safety tips for seniors who live independently and their caregivers to help prevent the spread of foodborne illness.

Risks Associated with Food Safety for Seniors

It’s important to understand why food safety for seniors is so important. As we age, our body changes, including our gastrointestinal tract. In those over age 65, food remains in the gastrointestinal tract for a longer period of time, allowing bacteria to grow. This type of bacteria isn’t always harmful—but the length of time it stays in the GI tract causes an increased risk of food poisoning in the elderly. Also, the stomach of an older person may not produce enough bile (acid), which allows bacteria to grow and multiply. Those who suffer from conditions such as diabetes and cancer are at increased risk.

Safe food handling for seniors is a must because each additional risk will multiply the already existing risks of simply getting older. Whether you’re an older person preparing your own food, or you’re a caregiver in a home or a certified nursing home, food safety for the elderly is a priority.

Cooking Safety Tips for Seniors and Their Caregivers

It’s something we’ve been told from toddlerhood—wash your hands. Even in modern times, the best advice when it comes to food safety for seniors is to wash hands consistently, especially after handling raw meat.

Another great tip is to separate raw meats and poultry from ready-to-eat foods. People may wonder how so many units of romaine lettuce were recalled due to disease—this is because this “tip” was not followed correctly. Use separate cutting boards for meat, poultry, and vegetables/fruits, and prepare them on different surfaces.

When cooking for the elderly, be absolutely sure that meats are cooked to their proper temperature. Chicken should always have an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit or above, while red meat should be cooked to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. The advisories for pork state an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit is best.

Food safety for the elderly also includes proper refrigeration. Leftovers should be refrigerated promptly within two hours of cooking time. Also, it’s advised that older adults keep their refrigerator temperatures at 40 degrees to keep food cold and fresh. This also applies to refrigerators in nursing homes or care facilities.

Perhaps the best tip of all for food safety for seniors: “when in doubt, throw it out!”

Food Safety for Seniors – Known Pathogens

While the best method of preventing food poisoning in seniors is prevention, it’s still a good idea to be aware of the risks that are out there. Some of these pathogens include:

• Listeria: This pathogen often grows on deli-style meats and hot dogs, improperly cooked or stored in the refrigerator. It can also affect raw vegetables. While in many it causes fever, malaise, and GI upset, if untreated in seniors, it could be deadly.
• Escherichia coli: Commonly known as E. coli, this is highly correlated with uncooked ground beef. It can also be transmitted through person-to-person contact (e.g., unwashed hands).
• Salmonella: This affects food safety for seniors, as it is very much associated with chicken. Salmonella can also be present in milk, seafood, and other poultry. It can cause stomach pain and diarrhea, and is a very serious condition for the elderly.
• Clostridium: This pathogen is most associated with food left out on the counter, which is part of why safe food handling for seniors is so vital. While it rarely causes death, it can cause serious GI upset and cramps.

Remembering every last piece of advice can be tough for anyone. However, when it comes to food safety for seniors, the most important things to do are to wash your hands, separate meats and poultry, throw suspicious food away, and refrigerate leftovers as soon as possible.

Helping make life easier for seniors, the disabled, and their caregivers is what the Williams Lift Co. has been doing for over 70 years. For a free estimate for wheelchair or stair ramp costs, or to hear about our other mobility products, contact us today to speak with a member of our professional staff.

Because of extremely cold temperatures, winter can be tough on everyone, especially the elderly. Wintertime is often a time of decreased activity and increased depression for seniors, and it can be hard looking after the elderly in cold weather if you are a caregiver. Whether you are a caretaker of someone who is older and needs assistance, or if you are a senior yourself, there are just a few important winter safety tips for seniors to keep in mind. Some tips—such as the ideal room temperature for the elderly—may be a bit surprising.

How Does Cold Weather Affect the Elderly?

As we age, our bodies react differently to extremes, and this includes dramatic changes in temperature. Blood circulation in the elderly is poorer than a younger adult any time of year, but the addition of colder weather worsens this condition. As humans, we always need adequate blood flow at all times to all of our extremities. Hypothermia is an additional concern. An elderly person who has their home temperature set to 65 degrees Fahrenheit may be at risk for hypothermia in extremely cold weather, according to the National Institute on Aging (NIA). This is particularly alarming if the person lives alone and rarely has visitors.

Because this type of situation is very dangerous, NIA suggests that a safe home temperature for the elderly is between of 68 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s understandable that this winter safety tip for seniors may cause some anxiety over the heating bill, but seniors can help keep their heating bill down by closing off rooms they are not using, closing curtains and windows and having them weather-treated, and placing a rolled towel in front of doors to keep out drafts.

Staying Healthy in the Winter for Seniors

Another health concern for seniors during the winter months is simply staying healthy. During this time when cases of the common cold, flu, and bronchitis are prevalent, winter safety precautions for seniors should include the prevention of any ailments. Because the elderly are an at-risk group, it is highly recommended that all older patients receive their flu shot every year. The flu can be deadly to all groups, but particularly so in seniors and those that are immunocompromised.

It’s also very important to wash your hands as often as possible. Simply put, having unclean hands is the easiest way to transmit germs. Those with deeper health concerns should also invest in a surgical mask to help protect against the transmission of airborne droplets and diseases. Vitamin deficiencies also are a problem during the winter. Another winter safety tip for seniors is to eat a varied diet full of leafy greens and vegetables, and foods rich in Vitamin D and calcium.

Other Winter Safety Tips for Seniors

Consider these additional winter safety tips for seniors:

• Avoid prolonged exposure outside. Frostbite and hypothermia are real concerns for seniors who have been outside too long, especially if not dressed properly. Bundle up and prepare well for going outside in extremely cold temperatures.
• Beat the winter blues. Winter depression is very real, and part of winter safety for seniors is keeping busy and staying active. Look for local winter events around your area that may be of interest, or think about joining a local senior support group.
• Be wary of ice. Whether you use a wheelchair ramp to get inside your home or you walk, falling on ice is a safety concern. Be sure to stock up ice melt for your walkways and sidewalks. Also, wear shoes that have non-slip grips on them, which are better for walking on icy surfaces.
• Drink only moderately. Alcohol consumption can make you lose body heat, while also making you feel as if you’re not cold. If you drink at all, make sure it is in moderation.
• Be well stocked. One of the most important winter safety tips for seniors is to have a well-stocked house for many reasons, including the risk of a power outage. Make sure you have candles and batteries, an easy way to contact a loved one if you need help, and a pantry full of canned goods and other non-perishable items.

For more ideas on winter safety tips for seniors, or to hear about products such as wheelchair ramps and stair lifts, contact Williams Lift Co. today to speak with a member of our team. With different types of mobility equipment, we can help make mobility a reality again.