Keeping Seniors Safe During Unexpected Weather

Regardless of the place one lives, bad weather is bound to occur at some point. The good news is that there are many things you can do to deal with unexpected weather. Below is a list of tips that will help seniors stay safe when the weather is inclement:

What Seniors Can Do To Prepare For A Power Outage

Power outages can occur due to a hurricane, flood or winter storm. Here is a list of tips you can do to prepare for a possible power outage:

Supply The Phone Numbers
Seniors should have all of the phone numbers to utility companies, including gas, power and water. You should also supply seniors with the numbers to the fire department, doctor and home health care provider. It is important that seniors be able to access these numbers quickly.

Give Seniors The Necessary Supplies
There are a number of things seniors will need in the event of a power outage. This includes things such as flashlights, batteries, battery-powered flashlights, non-perishable food items, warm blankets, several layers of clothing and a hat. Additionally, if your loved one has an essential medical device, then you should let your utility company know. This can put your loved one on the priority list in the event of a power outage.

Safe Driving Tips For Seniors To Prepare For In Bad Weather

People who are over the age of 65 are already more likely to be involved in an accident. Inclement weather increases the risk of an accident. Below is a list of tips for safely driving when the weather is inclement:

Have Your Car Winterized
It will be a lot easier and safer to drive in inclement weather if the car is in good shape. The tires, windshield wipers and an antifreeze should be checked.

Stock The Car With The Necessary Supplies
Seniors should have a cell phone with them when they are driving. Other supplies seniors need include include blankets, first aid kit, booster cables, warm blankets, containers of water, dried food, shovel and flashlight. It is best to avoid wet and icy roads if possible.

Slippery Surface Safety
Falls are one of the top causes of injuries in senior citizens. A fall can lead to head trauma, broken bones and death. Slippery surfaces caused by inclement weather can increase the risk of a fall. Wearing boots with non-skid soles can decrease the risk of a fall. Additionally, if it has snowed outside, then the walkways will need to be shoveled.

Taking the proper precautions can prevent a serious injury from occurring. If you worry about your senior loved one when those nasty wind or thunderstorm are in the Las Vegas area. Our staff at Visiting Angels can help with our home care service. Contact us today!

Elderly at Risk for Serious Falls

Falls can be a problem that lead to moderate or serious injuries for elderly adults. Sometimes, falls can be a symptom linked to the diagnosis of a physical condition, chronic disease or medical ailment. As an individual grows older, so too does their risks for falls, fractures and injuries escalate. The following are the facts and dangers of falling.

The Statistics

Approximately one in three adults over the age of 65 experience a fall every year. Unfortunately less than half of the victims fail to speak to their physician about the problem. Falls are the primary cause of non-fatal and fatal injuries in this population range.

Important Risk Factors

There are a number of risk factors that contribute to a fall. From muscle weakness, poor eyesight, and the lack of flexibility to hypertension, confusion and medications. Poor health can be the leading cause of falls. Most falls seem to happen at home simple on account of unsuspecting triggers like unhinged stair rails, loose rugs, slippery floors and poorly-lit entryways.

Is There More to a Fall?

While a fall could be just an act of clumsiness, it could also be a sign of a medical problem. It’s best to speak to your physician after any type of fall, so they can evaluate your condition for an infection, cardiovascular problems, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s disease or any other chronic ailment. It could also be caused by an existing condition or current medication.

Common Outcomes from a Fall

While outcomes like bruising or mild discomfort may seem moderate after a fall, over thirty percent of elderly people who take a tumble experience more serious injuries like fractures in the pelvis, hand, wrist, leg and hip. However, traumatic brain injuries make up as much as forty-five percent of falls in older adults.

Tips for Prevention

You can play a proactive role in protecting yourself from falls, especially as you age. The number one method of protection comes in the form of exercise. Tai Chi, yoga, walking, biking and strength training can help weak limbs become stronger and more supportive. They can also help improve balance. Medications can also have some serious side effects that may cause sleepiness and dizziness, rendering an individual more likely to fall. Your physician may be able to tweak your pharmaceutical dosages if you encounter any problems. Eliminating tripping hazards at home can help prevent falls, so remove clutter and debris. You can also assess your lighting around stairways, entryways and outdoor patios and driveways. Vision is an essential piece in preventing falls. An eye exam can determine the health of your eyes. You should also wear your glasses or contacts as recommended to see clearly.

We at Visiting Angels in Las Vegas are committed to helping you care for your elderly loved ones.  We pride ourselves on bringing you facts and tips like how to prevent falls so that our seniors retain their independence and dignity.  For more information about our services, call today 702-562-3322.