Our first feature article, courtesy of Working Solutions Service, focuses on the extra challenges facing your adult/elder dependents during a common Midwestern winter.

WINTER HAZARDS FOR ELDERS

Courtesy of Working Solutions Service

The winter season can be hard on all of us but particularly on the elders in our lives. Many of the concerns that elders face in winter are not readily apparent to us. Working Solutions offers the following areas to watch for, and suggestions if you have elderly family or neighbors.

HYPOTHERMIA (low body temperature)

Colds, flu and other respiratory problems are of great concern to elders. They should have flu shots, and keep warm in order to avoid hypothermia which can be as deadly as the flu to the elderly.

Suggestions

1. Know the symptoms of hypothermia.
2. Notice whether the temperature is kept over 65 F. (Even mildly cool temperatures can trigger hypothermia.)
3. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if the illnesses and medications taken by elders make them more susceptible to hypothermia.

DEHYDRATION (insufficient fluids)

Drinking lots of liquids is very important for elders in the winter to prevent dehydration which is much more common and a bigger problem than most realize. As we age our sense of thirst and appetite diminishes.

Suggestions

1. Carefully monitor the fluid intake of the elder about whom you're concerned: eight glasses of water or other non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages are needed to make sure your older family member is getting enough liquids.
2. A humidifier in the elder's room will help reduce the lack of moisture in the air which causes chapped lips, dry skin and mucous membranes.

DEPRESSION

Another big concern for elders in the winter is depression, which in turn causes other significant health problems. Going out of the house for any reason in the winter is problematic for those who are frail. It is easy to get depressed when you have no interaction with other people, little or no physical activity and a diminished amount of natural light each day.

Suggestions

1. Add the elder to your plans (if physically possible): ask your elder family member to accompany you on an errand or two that you would run on their behalf anyway. This may help them regain a sense of control and feel more positive. If the elder is frail and cannot venture out of the home, make plans to bring in something special for the elder, such as favorite books, new crossword puzzles, a movie or a new houseplant, along with your companionship.
2. Computers offer housebound elders a way to stay in communication with friends and family. There are now senior chat rooms on the internet as well as interest group bulletin boards on almost any hobby or interest imaginable. Some senior centers provide instruction on how to use computers for those who are new at it, as well as computer access (also available at many local libraries).

Working Solutions offers you a free packet of information called "Preparing for Winter Weather" to help you handle these and other wintertime hazards. To receive the packet and/or talk to a WSI counselor who can help you deal with elder or special needs child concerns, either call 800-358-8515 or contact Working Solutions now.