While the weather may be balmy and beautiful in milder climates, even the southern reaches of the U.S. are not immune to inclement winter weather. As we’ve seen in recent years, storm systems that bring snow, ice, and frigid temperatures can cause harm and havoc in unexpected areas.

Recent research suggests that, across the country, deaths associated with cold weather have risen over the past few decades. Senior citizens are most at risk, with this death rate highest among adults older than 75. Considering the dangers that can develop from sudden or prolonged cold exposure, older adults and those who love them should be prepared no matter where they call home.

To help seniors and their caregivers prioritize safety habits this winter, we have compiled a short guide on the most common cold weather hazards and how to navigate them.

Navigating Winter Hazards

In any situation, prevention is often better than cure. Preparing and planning for hazardous winter weather can go a long way in keeping yourself and your loved ones safe and warm. Physical, social, and economic factors can all put older adults at a higher risk of harm. Seniors may have certain medical conditions and medications that can affect how they manage body temperature, and higher rates of social isolation and homelessness can make it harder for older adults to obtain proper shelter and assistance.

Common cold-weather culprits that impact seniors include falls, hypothermia, and indoor hazards. Let’s review these dangers and how you can navigate them.

Avoiding Falls

Every year, millions of Americans suffer severe injuries, emergency room visits, and hospital stays as the result of a fall. In fact, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injury among adults over sixty-five. While falls can happen at any time, wintry weather increases the likelihood of you, or your aging loved one encountering slippery surfaces.

During and after a winter storm, untreated or improperly treated surfaces can quickly become a fall hazard. Keep an eye out for unseen dangers like “black ice,” a type of clear ice that can be nearly invisible on darker pavement. There are a few simple, but important, precautions that you can take to reduce the chance of a severe fall in and around your home:

• If you know winter weather is in the forecast, put salt, sand, or other ice melting products on frequented walkways.
• Ensure that all outdoor areas are well lit and consider using another entrance if your main entrance is prone to getting icy.
• Avoid going out in bad weather. If you need to go out, always use handrails and wear non-skid, rubber-soled shoes.
• Avoid shoveling snow if you’re a senior; it can increase your risk of a heart attack. If you live at home, consider reaching out to a younger relative or neighbor. If you live in a senior living community, enjoy the perks of a good maintenance team.
• To avoid a fall inside, make sure to dry off the soles of your shoes and the wheels or tips of any walking aids. Keep the entryway clear of any clutter that might accumulate, such as boots and coats.

Recognizing Signs of Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a serious medical condition that can become a medical emergency if it is not treated promptly. It is typically associated with temperatures below freezing but has been known to occur at warmer temperatures under certain conditions, such as when a person is already chilled from rain, sweat, or cold water.

Older adults are especially susceptible to this common cold-related illness. Certain medications and chronic conditions can negatively impact an individual’s ability to regulate and recognize their body temperature. Due to the threat to life that hypothermia presents, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the signs so you can quickly recognize them if the situation arises.

Mild hypothermia: shivering or shaking, pale skin that is cool to the touch, numb hands and feet, increased heart and breathing rate, and increasing drowsiness or lethargy.

Moderate hypothermia: shivering stops, slowed heart and breathing rate, low blood pressure, weakened reflexes, increasing confusion and sluggishness, hallucinations, and incontinence.

Severe hypothermia: loss of consciousness, death-like coma, rigid muscles, loss of reflexes, slowed or stopped heartbeat, cold skin, lack of response to stimulus, and barely detectable or undetectable breathing.

Moderate and severe hypothermia are life-threatening. If you suspect someone you know is experiencing hypothermia, take immediate action. Move them to a warmer place, wrap them in dry blankets, towels, or coats, and call 911. Remove any wet clothes and keep an eye on their breathing. Never assume that a person in the severe stage of hypothermia is already dead.

Preventing Hypothermia

Of course, it’s better to prevent hypothermia from developing in the first place than to worry about spotting and treating it. Take precautions to avoid hypothermia by dressing appropriately for the weather. When the temperature plunges, dress in loose layers and cover your head, hands, and feet with winter clothing. Add a scarf and earmuffs for good measure if it’s especially frigid.

Limit your time outside to short spurts and take regular breaks to warm up. Stay hydrated and eat regularly; this will help your body maintain its core temperature better. Additionally, avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and caffeine, which can increase your risk of developing hypothermia in cold weather.

Hypothermia and Dementia

Seniors who have Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other kinds of cognitive decline may need additional support to help prevent cold-related injuries and illnesses. For loved ones who tend to wander or are prone to venturing outside without proper cold-weather apparel, consider a life-alert system or arrange for a caregiver to check in regularly. If your loved one needs further protection, assisted living and memory care communities can provide 24/7 supervision and monitoring that puts senior safety at the forefront.

Safety Indoors and During Power Outages

While winter safety is often associated with the “Great Outdoors,” up to 20% of cold-exposure injuries actually occur inside the home. Older adults can develop hypothermia in homes as warm as 65°F. For optimal protection from the cold, keep your thermostat at 68°F or above, dress warmly on chilly days, and keep out drafts with weather stripping, caulk, or rolled towels.

Power outages are another danger that can occur with winter weather. Ice storms and unexpected strains on the power grid can be a serious problem, especially in areas not used to the cold. Stay weather-prepared by checking the local forecast for major storms and plan for power outages ahead of time. Ask someone nearby to check on you and ensure you know where you can stay in case of an outage. Since travel can become difficult as we age, remember to ensure your plans account for your abilities.

If you choose to heat your home via other means, exercise extreme caution with devices that produce carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is undetectable and deadly. Always follow the specific safety guidelines for space heaters, generators, portable camping stoves, and other appliances. If you need to warm up in a vehicle, double-check that the garage door is open before you start the car.

In the face of unexpected winter hazards and cold-weather maintenance, some seniors may want to skip the stress and move into a senior living community. Some communities even offer short-term stay options for the winter months or other major storm seasons.

To learn more about choosing the right senior living community for yourself or a senior loved one, contact a Stoney Brook senior living expert today. Experience the Stoney Brook difference and the many benefits of relationship-centered living! Subscribe to our blog for valuable free resources. Schedule a tour at any of our Central Texas assisted living and memory care communities and see why our residents call Stoney Brook home.