Besides, cold weather, ice and snow, the winter season can bring injury or isolation to senior citizens. That’s why it’s important for relatives, friends and caregivers to check in with their elderly family, friends and neighbors. Here is guide to help make the winter safe and comfortable for seniors.

Winter season senior check-in checklist:

• Check in on a regular basis by phone or in person. If you live far away, ask neighbors or a caregiving service like KeepMeHome to look in on them.
• Make sure they are equipped with an emergency number or even an electronic emergency call device.
• Make arrangements to keep sidewalks shoveled and de-iced.
• Equip seniors with emergency supplies.
• Make transportation arrangements for groceries or doctor appointments during bad weather.
• If your loved one is physically disabled or has a memory impairment, arrange for someone to stay with them during a storm.

What you can do in case of a power outage
If the power goes, out check in on seniors to make sure they have light, food and heat. Help them get to an emergency shelter if necessary, especially if it is going to be a prolonged outage.

Power outage emergency check list:

• Warm blankets
• Candles and flashlights and batteries
• Canned goods and other non-perishable food
• Medications

Keep the refrigerator and freezer closed for as long as possible. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours and a full, unopened freezer will keep food for about 48 hours. If it is  half full, then it should keep for approximatley 24 hours.

Holiday Safety Tips

Christmas trees, lights and candles abound during the holidays. They bring joy and happiness to many. But, they can also be a source of danger for the elderly. Each year approximately 12,800 people are treated in the ER for injuries related to holiday decorating, including falls and electrical shocks according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC – www.cpsc.gov).

• If you use an artificial tree, make sure it is labeled “Fire Resistant.” If you use a live tree, make sure it is fresh — the bottom of the tree should be sticky with resin and it shouldn’t lose many needles.
• Keep all trees away from fireplaces, vents and radiators. If using a live tree, remember to keep it watered.
• Use flame-resistant decorations.
• Make sure lights have been safety tested by a nationally-recognized testing laboratory, such as UL. Use lights that have thicker wiring and safety fuses to prevent wires from overheating. Throw out damaged sets and use new.
• String no more than three standard-size sets of lights together.
• Make sure extension cords are used properly. Throw away any cords that are frayed or have wires exposed.
• To avoid trips and falls, make sure cords or wires are away from foot traffic.
• Do not leave lights on when unattended — turn off before going to bed or going out.

With one phone call, KeepMeHome Home Care provides all the services needed to keep your loved one at home — where they want to be. From occasional care and companion services, errand running, transportation to and from doctor visits, housekeeping or meal preparation to help with medication administration, bathing, nursing care or physical therapy, KeepMeHome Home Care is open 24/7 every day of the year providing quality and cost-efficient services to the elderly, those recovering from illness or surgery, and the disabled in Connecticut.

KeepMeHome Home Care is a state licensed, Medicare/Medicaid certified home health care agency that offers a full range of in-home care and companion services, nursing care, rehabilitation management, physical therapy as well as assisted living/nursing home placement assistance. All personnel undergo extensive pre-screening, criminal background checks and are drug tested and bonded. Call 1-877-302-2323 any time, any day. We’re always here waiting to serve you and assist you will all your needs. KeepMeHome.com