Winter Safety Tips for the Lakewood & Golden Community

Stay safe this winter, whether you’re indoors or spending time outside.

Winter is here in Colorado! While the winter months bring beautiful snowy views, this weather can be hard to navigate for the senior members of our community. According to AgeWise Colorado, aging can affect your body’s ability to retain heat. Aging can also make it harder for you to notice when you’re too cold.

This winter, we encourage you to mind your body temperature and any sudden changes. To help you stay safe, we’ve laid out some winter weather tips to consider when you’re indoors, when you’re getting ready to go out, and when you’re spending time outdoors.

Why Is the Cold So Dangerous?

When someone’s body temperature is too low (below 95°F), it can contribute to health problems like heart attacks, kidney problems, and liver damage. Also, certain medical conditions that commonly impact older adults make it harder for them to stay warm.

A very serious condition that can occur when someone’s body temperature is below 95°F is hypothermia. Early signs of hypothermia may include a swollen face, pale skin, slow speech and slurring, and anger and confusion. If hypothermia progresses to later stages, it can cause more problems, such as:

• Stiff and jerky arm movements
• Slow heartbeat
• Slow breathing
• Loss of consciousness
• Death

If you think someone may be experiencing hypothermia, call 911 right away and report it as a medical emergency. Move them to a warm place, get them a warm drink, and wrap them in dry blankets, towels, and coats.

How Can I Stay Safe Indoors?

Cold temperature-related injuries don’t just happen outside – they can happen indoors, too. Here are some tips to help you stay warm indoors:

• Make sure the temperature in your space is set to at least 68°F.
• Keep windows, blinds, and curtains closed to prevent heat from leaking out.
• If you have drafty windows, use weather stripping or caulk to seal them.
• Block drafts coming from under closed doors with a rolled towel.
• Try to eat enough and maintain your weight if you can.
• Avoid drinking alcohol as it can cause your body to lose heat.
• Wear warm clothes and layers, even when indoors.  

If you use a fuel-powered heating source like a fireplace in your household, make sure to properly vent and clean it to prevent it from leaking dangerous amounts of carbon monoxide.

How Can I Stay Safe Outdoors?

As you get ready to leave the house and venture out into the cold, make sure you’re wearing 2-3 layers of loose-fitting clothing. Cover as much skin as possible, including your face, neck, ankles, and hands. Try to avoid getting wet from snow, rain, and puddles, and don’t stay out for too long.

Something to be aware of is that falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths within the older adult population. Fall prevention is extra important during the winter months when the ice and snow make conditions more dangerous than usual. Here are some tips to help you and your loved ones avoid falls this winter:

• Check the weather forecast before heading out in case there will be a drop in temperatures, snowfall, or heavy winds.
• Let others know you will be spending time outdoors, and bring your cell phone with you.
• Secure a helper, like a family member, friend, or neighbor, to help clear your walkways and driveways when it snows.
• Bring a Caregiver with you on outings to help you navigate walkways when the weather isn’t looking great.
• Remove any obstacles like doormats from your walkways.
• Consider investing in boots with non-skid soles.
• If you use a cane, make sure the rubber tip hasn’t worn down. If it has, replace it or use a different attachment.

How Can Griswold Help?

At Griswold Home Care for Lakewood & Golden, our Caregivers provide a variety of non-medical in-home care services. Whether you’re looking for Companionship and Personal Care or something Around-the-Clock, we’re here to support our community from Bow Mar to Genesee. If you’re interested in learning more, please give us a call today.