Winter Tips for Elders
Winter is once again upon us in New England and forecasters are promising a cold and snowy season. It is particularly important that elders, among the most vulnerable to inclement weather, are prepared for cold winter temperatures and take measures to stay well. The Executive Office of Elder Affairs has prepared “Winter Well-Being Tips for Massachusetts Elders” as an aid for seniors and their caregivers to have a healthy and safe winter.
Stay Warm this Winter
How Cold Is It? The first line of protection is to be aware of weather forecasts and prepared for days when you are unable to go shopping, keep medical appointments and get to personal and social appointments. Find out how cold it will be by listening to, reading or watching the weather forecast, and remaining indoors during very cold weather. Make sure to pay attention to the Wind Chill, which is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin by combined effects of wind and cold.
What do I wear to stay warm? When it’s very cold, make sure to dress in warm, dry clothes. You should wear a hat, layers of loose-fitting clothing, a scarf, mittens, thick pants, heavy socks, and closed-in shoes or boots.
How Do I Keep My Home Warm? Heating your home is expensive, but important to staying healthy in the winter. Make sure that you have insulated your home and sealed any air leaks. Be very careful of space heaters, which can pose a burn and fire risk. If you are having trouble paying your home heating bill, contact:
· LIHEAP Fuel Assistance Program:
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program ("LIHEAP") provides payments to energy providers to defer some of the costs of monthly heating bills for those eligible. Call (800) 632-8175 or visitwww.winterheating.com~for more information.
· Salvation Army Good Neighbor Fund:
· Oil Co-ops:
They are buying groups formed to help consumers purchase energy at lower costs. A list of oil co-ops in the state is available at www.mass.gov/doer~as part of the fuel assistance tip sheet or you may contact DOER at (800) 351-0077.
· Shop Around:
The Massachusetts Oil Heat Association offers a statewide list of member home heating oil dealers at www.massoilheat.org.
· Gas/Electricity Discount Rates:
Income eligible applicants may take advantage of discounted rates and protection against service termination. Look into arranging winter payment plans with gas and electric utilities.
Stay Safe in the Snow and Ice
Avoid over exerting yourself. Shoveling is very strenuous exercise and can quickly take a toll on your body. Ask someone to shovel for you if you are at high risk of a heart attack or other injury. If you must shovel, always go slowly, take breaks, drink a lot of water, dress warmly, lift carefully and stop if you have any pain or exhaustion.
Try to stay indoors when the weather is very bad. If you need to leave your home, try to use public transportation. If you must drive, make sure that you are well stocked with:
· A full tank of gas;
· An emergency winter storm kit (flashlight, flares, candle, first aid kit, tow line or rope,
paper towels);
· Sand or kitty litter for traction;
· A windshield scraper and de-icer;
· Cell phone and/or an emergency radio; and,
· Blanket, gloves, socks, hat and boots.
Stock Up For Snowy Days
Big snow storms can stop us in our tracks and keep us indoors. Elders should always be prepared to remain inside their homes for a few days. Make sure you have these items in your home to be best prepared for a big storm:
· Emergency phone numbers and contact information (doctor, family, friends, neighbors, police, fire, board of health, your local Council on Aging);Extra medications:
prescription and over the counter;
· First-Aid Supplies (bandages, tape, gauze, anti-bacterial ointment, alcohol, cold pack);
· A 3-day supply of non-perishable foods and drinks (1 gallon of water per person and
extra for pets, ready-to-eat canned meat, fruit, vegetables, snack bars, cereal, juice, powdered milk);
· Battery operated flash lights, radio, manual can opener, candles, matches/lighter,cash;
· Hand sanitizer, paper products and garbage bags; and,
· Clean, warm clothes and footwear and blankets/sleeping bags.
Stay Healthy During Flu Season
It is not too late to get vaccinated. February is when the flu season is at its height. Contact your health care provider about getting a flu shot and a pneumococcal (pneumonia) shot. For additional information on the flu, pneumonia, and where to obtain shots visit the Department of Public Health’s website: www.mass.gov/dph/flu or call the DPH information line at 866-627-7968.
Ask Yourself: Who Is Looking Out For Me?
· In bad weather, tell a friend, family member, or neighbor where they will be able to
find you. Ask them to call you regularly to check on your well-being. Tell them where an extra key is located so that they can get into your home in the event of an
emergency.
· If you have special health needs such as oxygen, contact your police station and let them know you may need assistance if the power fails.
For additional information, visit the websites listed in this release.
Courtesy of the Executive Office of Elder Affairs
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