Senior News

By Diane Kittelson, Pope County Senior Services Consultant/Coordinator 

We are in the midst of winter and have been hit with a great deal of snow already. This, combined with the harsh cold and icy conditions, can be especially dangerous for senior citizens. Older adults run a higher risk of falls, hypothermia, frostbite and health problems. Here are a few safety tips to take into consideration:

• Dress Appropriately – When going outside bundle up with two or three thin loose layers. The air between the layers helps to keep you warm and is warmer than one heavy layer. Make sure you wear a hat and scarf as you can lose a lot of heat if your head and neck are left uncovered.

• Stay Warm – Living in a cold house or apartment can cause hypothermia. Experts say older people should set their heat to at least 68-70°. If you are worried about heating bills, close off rooms you are not using by closing vents and shutting doors to these places. Put a rolled-up towel in front of doors to keep out drafts.

• Prevent Snow Related Injuries – While fall prevention is always a concern this time of the year, so is heart safety! Strenuous activities like shoveling snow can out too much strain on your heart, especially if you have heart disease.

• Ask for Help – Find a neighbor or family member who can help keep your sidewalks and driveways clean. Ask someone to check in on you regularly. When aging, some senses become dull making it hard for someone to recognize the symptoms of hypothermia or serious illnesses.

It is also important to know the warning signs of hypothermia. This occurs when our body temperature drops to a dangerous level. Body temperatures can drop from being outside in the cold for an extended period of time or from sitting in a home that is not warm enough.

If you do not already have one, create an emergency plan. If you have a family member, friend or neighbor living alone, help them to create an emergency plan and check in on them often. Not only will this give you peace of mind knowing they are doing ok, it will most likely put a big smile on their face! If you think someone is unable to care for themselves and is at risk of hypothermia or other winter related illnesses, please do something. Call 911 for an immediate emergency response.

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Western Prairie Human Services, Adult Protection can assist adults with safety concerns. The decision to make a report to Adult Protection is not easy. We recognize the sensitivity of these situations, and work with a comprehensive team to find person-centered non-invasive solutions for safety. To make a report call the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC) at 1-844-880-1574. Or call your local Senior Coordinator at Western Prairie Human Services 1-800-291-2827.