Many people do not look forward to Michigan winters. And while many seniors “fly south” for the winter, many more that live independently can take a few steps to help with a safe winter. Seniors Helping Seniors® In-Home Services, a national franchise system that matches seniors who need services (receivers) with those who offer them (providers) is providing some winter safety tips for the senior community.
While roads can be icy and treacherous, there are things that can be done to help prevent problems during winter rides before you are even on the road. Make sure you have sufficient pressure and tread on your tires. Make sure your wipers are in good condition and that you have plenty of washing fluid. Consider having a mechanic inspect your vehicle for the winter and check things like the radiator, belts, oil and the battery. Finally, if you are not comfortable driving in the winter, all Seniors Helping Seniors transportation providers have passed a driving record check as part of their interview process.
More home fires happen during the winter months than any other time of the year mainly due to home heating devices. Seniors age 65 and older are three times more likely to die or be injured in a home fire as younger people. In addition, fireplaces or household appliances that are fueled by gas, kerosene or wood in a closed up house can produce carbon monoxide gas. Some simple things seniors can do to protect themselves include:
• Make sure you have a glass front or screen on your wood burning fireplace to catch flying sparks and rolling logs and have chimney flue pipe checked annually.
• If you’re using a space heater, keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from the heater. If you buy a new space heater get one that automatically shuts off if the heater falls over.
• Get a fire extinguisher for the home; learn how to use it and check it annually to be sure it is working.
• Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors; check the batteries every month and change them annually.
If you use any mobility assistance devices, like a cane for example, modify it before winter arrives. Metal grips are available for the bottom of a cane and can increase stability. A worn hand grip should also be replaced with new grip.
Remove your shoes or boots when you enter your home to avoid puddles caused from melting snow on your shoes. Having a bench or chair inside the doorway can provide a place for you to sit down to remove your shoes when you get home.
If you have any concerns about maintaining a safe environment in your home, or if you are concerned about a loved one, Seniors Helping Seniors in-home services does offer free in-home safety assessments for the elderly to advise on fall prevention and home safety.
Seniors Helping Seniors provides a variety of help including companion care, transportation to doctors and healthcare facilities, around-the-clock in-home care, basic handyman services, lawn and garden work, shopping, respite, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, cooking, cleaning, etc.
“Winter can be hard on many seniors. We hear stories every year about someone who slipped and fell while shoveling their walkway or cleaning off their car. While no one can just stay inside all winter, there are a number of resources available for seniors to help them get through the winter months safely,” says Amanda Thrush Director of Client Relations.
For more information on Seniors Helping Seniors, call 616-234-0190 or visit the website www.seniorshelpingseniors.com
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