Winter is coming, believe it or not. And now that our warm weather is cooling down, it’s best to be prepared. During the winter months, cold temperatures can impact your daily routine. For your health, safety, and well-being it is smart to prepare for the colder times of the year.
As you get older, you lose body heat faster and can be more susceptible to getting sick or possibly injured due to the winter weather. Here are ways to help keep yourself, your older loved ones, and your family healthy and safe during the colder times of the year.
Keep Warm Inside and Out
Even though we are spoiled with warm weather throughout the year in Texas, living in a poorly heated or insulated house, apartment, or building can cause hypothermia. Keeping the thermostat between 68 and 70 degrees will make for a cozy interior. Remember, heat can escape through doors and windows. Placing towels in gaps under doors will help to keep a draft out. Windows will require proper caulking and weather stripping.
Dress for Cold Weather
Whether you are inside or outside, dress to stay warm. Dress in layers and cover up any exposed skin to prevent losing too much heat. Layering clothing is a great way to stay warm in the home and when venturing outdoors.
Clean Clutter to Prevent Falls
Falling in the home is more of a risk in the winter weather as colder temperatures make joints and limbs stiff. Shoes with good traction help prevent falling. Seniors should also stay inside during inclement weather until sidewalks and roadways are safe. To avoid slipping inside the home, remove your shoes when coming inside from inclement weather.
Bad Weather and Power Outages
Stocking up on essentials is always important. Make sure water, food, batteries, and flashlights are available to you in the event you cannot leave your home. And don’t forget to make sure your prescriptions are up to date, and an extra supply is on hand, if possible.
Communication and Check-ins
Checking in on loved ones regularly, especially in bad weather, helps those you love know you care. Especially since social distancing, isolation is a concern, and thanks to technology, there are many ways to stay in contact with friends and family members.
If you are worried about how the winter months might affect your loved one’s well-being, call Omnibus Home HealthCare to provide compassionate in-home healthcare services. Omnibus Home Health Care provides our clients with the best in-home health care available. Our staff of highly skilled professionals offers quality care for you or a loved one. We accept many insurance plans including traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans, Medicaid HMO, and private insurances plans. We will check benefit coverage on all insurance. This is not a guarantee of acceptance of coverage for our services. Acceptance is based on eligibility, medical necessity, and the requirements of our company guidelines. For more information on insurance coverage call 409.724.7000 and visit our Facebook page for the latest information from our staff.