Winter Safety Tips for Seniors in Iowa

January is National Winter Safety Month, and with the cold temperatures already here in Iowa, it's important to keep in mind that winter can bring extra risks for seniors. With icy sidewalks and challenges with home heating, this season that can present unique safety concerns for older adults in the Hawkeye State.

There are some things we can do for the older folks in our lives, heck, even for ourselves, to make sure we make it through another Iowa winter unscathed.

What Can You Do to Minimize a Senior Falling During the Iowa Winter?

Here are some tips to help keep seniors and you safe this winter. According to the National Council on Aging, do these things to lower the risk of falls this winter:

Ensure you wear proper footwear with good traction
Walk slowly and carefully
Use handrails when available
Take small steps
Stay aware of your surroundings
Plan outings
Consider a walking aid (cane or walker)
Make sure your home is clutter-free

Additionally, they mention keeping your salt/sand and shovel indoors to avoid slipping outside. Also, carry a small container of sand or grit to sprinkle on icy or sloped areas you can't walk around. That might be a good idea for anyone.

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Recognize Signs of Hypothermia and Frostbite in Seniors

The National Institute on Aging says the signs and symptoms of hypothermia & frostbite in seniors are:

Hypothermia

Early

Shivering, cold hands and feet, pale skin

Later

Slurred speech, confusion, drowsiness, slow breathing or heart rate, loss of consciousness

Other signs: Stiffness in the extremities (arms & legs), poor balance, weakness, memory loss, and weak pulse.

Frostbite

Early

Prickling, numbness, and slight color change in the skin

Other signs may be: Skin that appears frozen, loss of feeling and color, clear or blood-filled blisters, and skin that turns black or darker than normal.

If you experience any of these conditions, seek emergency treatment.

How to Prevent Hypothermia and Frostbite in Seniors

The Mayo Clinic recommends wearing layers of warm clothing, including mittens and socks with liners. Carry emergency supplies and warm clothing when traveling in cold weather. Here's something we might forget: letting someone know your route and expected return time if you're going somewhere remote.

Affordable Resources for Heating Assistance and Safe Home Heating Practices

There are stories each year about seniors who pass because they were too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter, and this is unacceptable. We must keep an eye on those in our community who might fall through the cracks or be left behind.

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It's not that hard, and as a community, we can do it. Some programs can help those who are less fortunate, and with many seniors living on fixed incomes, sometimes there are resources that are needed, but not known about.

One of those resources is LIHEAP. Not only can LIHEAP help with paying heating and cooling bills, they can also weatherize and keep the hot and cold out or in, whichever you might need at the time. You can apply for LIHEAP via the phone, in person, or online.