Staying Safe In A Winter Wonderland

A Guide For SeniorsBy: Gold Crest Care Center

Whether it’s your favorite season or the one you most dread, winter is full of spectacular weather and stunning scenery. It is, however, one of the most dangerous seasons for senior citizens.

Avoiding injury and illness involves education and preparation. Learning how to ensure a safe winter season for you and your loved ones is vital.

Enjoy this holiday season safely with some helpful tips from Gold Crest Care Center.

What are we up against during the colder months? Winter weather dangers include:

● Slips and falls due to icy, snowy or wet walkways, sidewalks and roads.● Hypothermia due to extreme dips in temperature.● Depression and winter related dips in mood.● Power outages and blackouts.● Driving and car troubles.● Carbon monoxide poisoning from indoor fireplaces, gas heaters or

lanterns.

With proper preparation we can avoid these dangers. Let’s see how on the next slide!

Slip and Fall Prevention Tips:

● Watch where you step. While snow and ice can be beautiful, it is extremely slippery. Avoid walking on uncleared walkways and icy areas.

● Wear the proper footwear. You should be wearing winter boots or sneakers with a high-grip rubber sole while outside during the winter months. Non-slip soles only.

● Keep your home well-lit. These winter days can be short, with daylight ending anywhere from 3 to 5 p.m. Ensure you watch your step while in the home.

● Keep your body strong. Regular exercise will help you maintain your agility, thus decreasing the likelihood of a fall.

Tips for Dressing Properly:

● Layers, layers, layers.

● Materials: Thinsulate and down are excellent materials for vests, jackets and coats. A benefit of thinsulate is that it’s warm and not bulky. Garments fabricated from this fabric have different ratings for cold.Hats, gloves and shoes are often made from this material. With a rating of 70 grams per square meter of insulation moderate activity levels are supported in cold conditions.

● Keep dry: When you are both cold and wet you are likely to feel uncomfortable and you may experience cold stress – a condition where you feel fatigue and inability to continue walking outdoors.

Tips for Dressing Properly: (cont)

● Shoes: When weather is inclement wear comfortable waterproof shoes. If you are going somewhere formal, it’s not a problem to carry dress shoes in a bag and change on your arrival. Whenever you plan to do substantial walking protect your feet from the impact of hard pavement by wearing cushioned sports shoes.

● Hats: There’s a huge selection of hat styles for men and women to choose from. Whatever you choose, be sure to select a hat that covers your entire head including your ears. You might want to choose a scarf at the same time. It can add extra warmth to your neck and head.

Tips for Keeping a Positive Mindset:

● Make a list of things you are thankful for!

● Give thanks when thanks is due, and thank yourself for positive actions.

● Stay busy. Get some hobbies these winter months. Reading, scrapbooking, and knitting are all great pastimes!

● Notice the beautiful things in life. They are all around us!

Winter Car Safety Tips

● Keep extra warm clothing in your car incase of a breakdown

● Ensure you are up to date with all service requirements.

● Snow tires or no tires. Minimize the chance of an accident by purchasing quality snow tires.

● Don’t use your cellphone while driving. (always)

● Only drive during a snowstorm in the case of an emergency.

● Clean your windshields thoroughly before driving

Preparing Your Home For Winter

● Seal the gaps. Make sure all windows are sealed securely. Apply weather stripping to minimize drafts and keep the home warm. This will also lower your energy bills.

● Purchase a generator. This way if you lose power you can run a space heater and remain safe and warm.

● Winterize your outdoor faucets. Shut off the water and let the pipes drain to eliminate the chance of bursting.

● Ensure your fire alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are functioning and have good batteries

● If you have a fireplace, ensure your chimney is clean to minimize the chance of a chimney fire.

About Gold Crest Care Center

Gold Crest Care Center is a 175 bed skilled nursing facility situated in the pleasant Pelham Gardens section of the Bronx, nestled in tree lined streets and beautiful private houses. We are clinically affiliated with most of New York’s major hospitals, which are located only minutes away. Located near major highways and public transportation, we are easily accessible not only to residents of Westchester and metropolitan New York City, but to Long Island and New Jersey as well.

Gold Crest Care Center offers home-like amenities in each of our spacious private and semi private rooms. We provide private bath, telephone, flat screen television, and individual heat and air conditioning control. Each floor features refreshing whirlpool baths and a pleasant dining room where residents can receive special dietary meals. Gold Crest Care Center hosts a pharmacy, in house laundry, and a barber and beauty shop. Gold Crest Care Center also offers bright airy day rooms for visiting with friends and family, and features a TV room and peaceful backyard patio, complete with a lush garden.

Phone: (718) 882-6400 Website: www.goldcrestcc.com

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