{"id":4848,"date":"2014-12-19T11:00:20","date_gmt":"2014-12-19T16:00:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/?p=4848"},"modified":"2015-01-23T12:45:36","modified_gmt":"2015-01-23T17:45:36","slug":"winter-safety-tips-for-home-alone-seniors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/winter-safety-tips-for-home-alone-seniors\/","title":{"rendered":"Winter Safety Tips for Home Alone Seniors"},"content":{"rendered":"

Seniors are at an increased risk for accidents, injuries and other emergencies when temperatures dip and there are hazardous conditions outside and on the roads, so it’s important for family and friends to makes sure their seniors are prepared properly for the long, cold winter. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0If you know a senior who lives alone in a cold climate, here are some winter safety tips to keep them comfortable and healthy in the months ahead.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\"Winter<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Make Heating a Priority<\/span><\/em><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

1) \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Check the furnace<\/strong><\/h5>\n

To avoid problems with the heating system when winter is in full swing, schedule a furnace inspection early in the season. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Have the contractor clean or replace filters and make any necessary repairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

2) \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Clean the chimney and flue<\/strong><\/h5>\n

If your senior’s home has a fireplace or wood\/pellet stove, make sure the chimney and flue are clean of creosote and soot to prevent chimney fires and improve efficiency. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0If you don\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2t want to spend money on a professional chimney sweep, use a\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0do-it-yourself chimney cleaning system<\/a><\/strong> that makes it easy to clean the chimney from inside the home without getting up on a ladder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

3) \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Stock up on fuel<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Fill the oil, propane or kerosene tanks and arrange for a delivery of seasoned firewood or wood pellets.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Deluxe<\/a><\/p>\n

4) \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Install a freeze emergency alarm for notifications of a furnace failure<\/strong><\/h5>\n

There are many affordable devices that will alert neighbors or family if a senior\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s home has lost heat, including a battery-powered temperature warning light<\/a><\/strong>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0that sits in front-facing window and flashes red when temperatures fall below 30o<\/sup>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0There are also various\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0freeze alarms<\/a><\/strong>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0that automatically call a family member or caregiver when the indoor temperature plummets.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Prepare your Senior to be Housebound<\/span><\/em><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

1) \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Buy extra food and bottled water<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Stock up the cupboard with a week\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s supply of non-perishable food and a couple of gallons of drinking water. Get your senior a hand-operated can opener to use during power outages.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Reminder<\/a><\/p>\n

2) \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Fill prescriptions of critical medications<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Don\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2t let important meds run low during the winter. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Switch your senior’s prescriptions to a local pharmacy that makes home deliveries or sign up with a mail order pharmacy so no one has to venture out in bad weather to pick up medications. Set up a \u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c5\u201cReminder Rosie\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c2\u009d voice controlled clock<\/a><\/strong> to remind your senior when its time to take his meds. Rosie has a backup battery so she’ll keep working during power outages…and since she talks, she’s actually good company!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

3) \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Prevent cabin fever by having family, neighbors or a caregiver call or stop by<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Winter can be a time of boredom, isolation and seasonal depression for seniors, especially when housebound. Make sure your loved one has a good telephone system so they can make calls easily and enjoy conversations. A phone such as the Amplicom PowerTel 7<\/a><\/strong> with big easy-to-read buttons, amplified volume, a two-way speakerphone and a built-in answering machine is a favorite among people with hearing or sight problems.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

4) \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0E<\/strong>quip them with a weather alert radio for NOAA forecasts and emergency info<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Seniors will wonder how long they will be housebound. A weather alert radio<\/a><\/strong>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0provides them with official, up-to-the-minute information on weather, local hazards and other emergencies. The\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Midland 22-Channel GMRS Emergency Crank Weather Radio<\/a><\/strong>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0has five power options including a hand crank so it will still works during power outages or when the batteries are dead.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Plan for Power Outages<\/span><\/em><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

1) \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Stockpile flashlights and extra batteries<\/strong><\/h5>\n

In addition to conventional flashlights, get your senior a\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0hand-crank flashlight<\/a><\/strong>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0that works without\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0batteries. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0It’s a reliable source of emergency lighting that they can count on every time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

2) \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Provide an alternative source of heat<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Seniors should have a safe (non-electric) way to stay warm during power outages, such as a wood stove, kerosene heater or efficient wood-burning fireplace. But remember that burning wood or kerosene can produce deadly CO gases<\/a><\/strong>! \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Make sure the area is properly ventilated and install a carbon monoxide detector<\/a><\/strong> and a smoke detector<\/a><\/strong>. An even better way to protect seniors is a monitoring system like the\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Sensaphone 400<\/a><\/strong>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0and\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0smoke\/CO detector<\/a><\/strong>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0accessory that automatically sends telephone alerts to family or friends if there is a smoke or toxic gas emergency.<\/p>\n

\"Oplink<\/a><\/p>\n

3) \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Provide them with a reliable way to call for help<\/strong><\/h5>\n

A power outage can make it difficult or impossible for seniors to get help, especially if there is a medical emergency. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Set them up with a personal alert system so they can contact family, friends or emergency services if they need assistance. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0One easy option is to add a wristband transmitter<\/a><\/strong>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0to their amplified PowerTel 7 phone<\/a><\/strong>. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0It has a built-in panic button\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0that lets seniors signal for help, even if they\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2ve fallen and can\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2t get to a phone. Or consider a smartphone-controlled system like the Oplink Connected Care<\/a><\/strong> that lets family and caregivers monitor live video of their senior on a smartphone. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0It comes with two wearable panic buttons, one IP camera with night vision and an inactivity sensor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Keep Them Active and Healthy<\/span><\/em><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

1) \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Encourage indoor exercise<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Seniors who are mobile should move their bodies by walking in place or doing laps around the house.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Wearing a pedometer<\/a><\/strong> or heart rate monitor<\/a><\/strong> can encourage movement while helping them exercise within safe limits<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

2) \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Prevent dehydration<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Remind your senior to eat well-balanced meals that include lots of vegetables and fruits and drink plenty of water.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-6810-venstar-wireless-thermostat-kit.aspx\"<\/a><\/p>\n

3) \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Avoid hypothermia<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Older adults are especially\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0vulnerable to hypothermia<\/a><\/strong>, which can be deadly if not treated quickly.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Lower body heat, inactivity, illnesses such as diabetes and some medications also put older adults at risk of hypothermia.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 To avoid danger, seniors should stay inside during extreme cold and windy weather; keep their home heated to between 68o\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0<\/sup>– 70o\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0<\/sup>F; and dress in layers including long underwear, socks, slippers and sweaters. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0If you want to make your senior really happy and comfortable, install a remote controlled wireless thermostat<\/a><\/strong> in their home and they’ll be able to adjust the heat without getting up<\/a><\/strong> from their seat!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Summary<\/span><\/em><\/h2>\n

Winter\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s cold temperatures can present safety challenges for seniors, especially those folks who are living independently<\/a><\/strong>. Families can help seniors stay healthy and avoid accidents by taking these steps to prepare them for weather-related emergencies. As winter drags on, be mindful that seniors often feel isolated, so reach out to them often or arrange for a neighbor or caregiver to stop by on a regular basis to check up on them and provide companionship.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Seniors are at an increased risk for accidents, injuries and other emergencies when temperatures dip and there are hazardous conditions outside and on the roads, so it’s important for family and friends to makes sure their seniors are prepared properly for the long, cold winter.… Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":4857,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10,9,189,190,6],"tags":[205,491,420,273,578,487,488,11,543,457,410,526,456,647,419,551,515,514,642,154,198,275,405,406],"class_list":["post-4848","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-freeze-alarms-heat-alarms","category-home-monitoring-security","category-independent-living-aid","category-miscellaneous","category-internet-thermostats","tag-amplified-phone","tag-amplified-telephones","tag-carbon-monoxide-detector","tag-carbon-monoxide-monitor","tag-chimney-cleaning-tools","tag-chimney-sweep","tag-chimney-sweep-rotary-cleaning-system","tag-freeze-alarms-2","tag-freeze-flash-warning-light","tag-hand-crank-flashlight","tag-heart-rate-monitor","tag-medication-reminder","tag-noaa-weather-alert-radio","tag-oplink-connected-care","tag-pedometers","tag-personal-alert-system","tag-reminder-clock","tag-reminder-rosie-clock","tag-remote-control-thermostat","tag-sensaphone","tag-sensaphone-400","tag-smoke-detector","tag-weather-alert-radio","tag-weather-radio","clearfix"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4848","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4848"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4848\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5033,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4848\/revisions\/5033"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4857"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4848"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4848"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4848"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}