Northwesterly Assisted Living Gives Winter Safety Tips For Seniors Citizens And Resources For Adult Children

Falls, isolation, unhealthy eating habits, lack of exercise, and trouble getting around are just some issues seniors may be experiencing this holiday season. As a resource for adult children and other family members, Northwesterly Assisted Living would like to take the opportunity to share a few simple tips to help keep senior citizens safe this winter.

As the winter season approaches this year and we see mom and dad more often than usual, we need to be proactive and make sure our loved ones are getting through the season safely. Winter is typically the timeframe that seniors need more from family or friends because weather conditions don’t allow them to be as independent as normal. Too often, it is the time that something drastic happens and a decline in health is noticed.

It is very important that we take the extra five or ten minutes out of our busy day while talking to our loved ones to really make sure that they are doing well during the winter months. We all get swept away in our own hectic schedules and sometimes don't notice how mom and dad are doing on their own, but simple questions like asking what they had for dinner or if they’ve been out of the house recently can give clues that they are still doing well or that they need a little more assistance. While visiting, make sure that there is enough food in the fridge and those items are not expired. Check to be sure throw rugs are not a fall risk and always make sure a plan is in place in case of emergencies.

Whether it’s just for the winter season or on a more permanent basis, asking for help is the smart thing to do. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. We find that many families face dilemmas this time of the year simply because they have not prepared well enough for what might happen. Your local senior center, hospitals, churches and other organizations such as assisted living communities, home health care agencies and even elder-law attorneys work together to help families and individuals prevent a crisis. If you are worried about a loved one’s health care this winter season, you should contact a professional who will be able to provide you with resources that help you to figure out how to make a change.

Listed below are ideas of how you may be able to help a senior by making sure they are well taken care of this season.

  1. Meals on Wheels-- Many cities and churches organize these programs to ensure seniors have a well-balanced diet and that it is easily accessible.
  2. Life Line-- Life line is a type of alert system that allows seniors to call for help in a time of need. It works as a pendant and seniors can easily push a button for emergency response services.
  3. City transportation services or RTA transportation services-- Often, seniors isolate themselves in the winter because they do not like driving in such harsh conditions. If alternate transportation could be provided, seniors might be able to continue their daily routine with easier efforts.
  4. Short Term Respite Stays-- Many independent, assisted and skilled nursing communities offer short term respite stays for a minimal fee which include meals, activities, transportation, housecleaning services and care services. This is a great way to introduce an alternate living arrangement to a senior who is resistant to the idea, without making a permanent decision.
  5. Get neighbors involved-- Unfortunately we cannot be there for our loved ones at all times, but chances are mom and dad live close enough to somebody that can check in on them. Ask neighbors to pay a little more attention when you cannot be there.

If you are worried about a loved one and need more assistance, please call a professional who may be able to help you and go over different options available. If you are interested in services Northwesterly has to offer, please call Annette Kelly at 216-228-2266 or email at annette@northwesterly.com for more information.

Annette Kelly

The Northwesterly is an assisted living community located in the heart of Lakewood. We offer care for seniors 55 and up who may need support throughout the day. Our apartments are over 650 Sq Ft and include a full bathroom and kitchennette in each room.

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Volume 7, Issue 25, Posted 11:52 PM, 12.13.2011