Senior Care near Johns Creek, GA – Winterize your Senior’s Home

Winter weather brings cold temperatures, rain, snow, sleet and ice. While it is enjoyable for some people, it can be a health hazard for senior citizens. The chilly weather creates many more risks for them including a higher rate of slip and falls on sidewalks, illnesses from cold viruses and in some severe cases, hypothermia. If you haven’t already winterized your elder’s home, it’s not too late! To help keep all senior citizens safe and healthy this winter season, here are some valuable tips:

1. Start from the inside first. Many seniors are more limited to leaving their homes during the winter months, especially if there is a lot of snow. Nutritionists suggest that because seniors are more susceptible to being deficient in Vitamin D during the chilly months, they should include it in their diets such as milk, yogurt, whole grains and fish.
2. Bundle up when heading outdoors. Wear loose fitting layers and gloves to keep the hands warm. Wearing a hat is highly recommended since it helps to protect against heat loss of the body. Your senior should wear waterproof shoes or boots with warm socks to keep feet dry when outside.
3. For people over the age of 65, slipping and falling on snow covered sidewalks is a common occurrence. Dr. Stanley Wang at Stanford Hospital in Northern California says these falls can cause serious injuries to seniors such as head trauma and wrist or hip fractures. It takes seniors much longer to heal than someone who is younger. It’s important to wear non-skid shoes when outside and to remove shoes immediately once indoors as to avoid slips from melted ice.
4. Fireplaces and gas heaters are great to keep warm and toasty but they can also be dangerous since they emit carbon monoxide. To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, be sure to get a carbon monoxide detector and install new batteries. Also, to prevent heater fires, make sure flammable material is away from the heater.

Winter Driving

Lots of seniors enjoy the independence of driving. However, driving in winter conditions can be risky. It is a good idea to get your car tuned up before it gets cold to make sure it is in top working order. Depending on where you live in the country, you should check weather reports ahead of time and prepare for any snow or ice that might be on the roads. Put sandbags in the back of your senior’s car, or invest in some snow chains. During the winter, your senior may need help with daily life, too – from personal grooming to housekeeping to cooking healthy meals. This can be accomplished if you hire senior home services to help.

The caregivers at Home Care Matters are available to talk with you and your family about all of your senior care needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable senior care near Johns Creek, GA and the surrounding areas. Call (678) 828-2195 for more information.

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Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

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