Aging Loved Ones Safety In the Winter Weather

By Bob Brueckman, Owner

BrightStar Care

. http://www.brightstarcare.com/

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Aging Loved Ones Safety In the Winter Weather

It's hard to believe that a month of 2018 is already in the books, complete with our first couple of doses of inclement winter weather. As we turn the calendar to February and find ourselves further into the winter season, many children and other family members of aging loved ones may be finding themselves increasingly worried about the health and safety of Mom, Dad, Grandma or Grandpa during this time of year.

For many of you, the holidays offered many opportunities for family togetherness and the extra time spent with an aging loved one perhaps revealed that he or she is no longer able to independently care for him or herself. Coupled with the safety concerns brought about by snow, ice and blustery conditions of winter, it's no wonder that families may begin to question whether additional assistance with personal care, household chores and transportation is necessary.

When the needs of an aging loved one progress beyond his or her own capabilities, and there are issues with mobility, performing routine activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing and toileting, meal preparation and medication management, family members are tasked with determining a course of action for the care of that person. The need for prompt decision making may be even more crucial if dementia and other cognitive impairments are present or if one's personal safety is an area of concern.

For those that choose to allow their loved ones to “age in place” in familiar surroundings, either in their own home or in the home of a loved one, there are services available in your community to ensure that your loved one is cared for, happy and above all safe regardless of the weather conditions outside when you are unable to provide that care and supervision yourself. Mom or Dad may simply need a couple of hours of assistance in the mornings and/or evenings, or he or she may require care and supervision for the bulk of the day depending on physical and cognitive functionality.

When looking for home care services, it's important to do your research there are a number of online resources available for finding eldercare services or talk to friends or coworkers who may have been in similar situations and pursue services that best meet the individual needs of your loved one and your family. It's also important to find a caregiver with whom you feel comfortable entrusting the care of your loved one someone who wants he or she to be as safe and secure as you do and someone who gives you peace of mind knowing that your loved one's needs are being met.