 "Seniors should get their furnace checked each year to make sure
it's working properly," Johnson said. "The state has a number of
resources available that seniors can use so they aren't left to make
difficult decisions like whether to pay their heating bills or take
their prescription medications this winter. I hope that older
persons, their families and those who care for them will take these
practical, simple steps to prepare for the colder temps ahead."
Seniors should make sure they set their thermostats above 65
degrees. Older people are at a higher risk of falling ill during the
cold winter months. People who lower the thermostat to reduce
heating bills risk developing hypothermia, a potentially fatal
condition in which the body temperature drops dangerously low. At
increased risk are older people who take certain medications, drink
alcohol, lack proper nutrition and who have conditions such as
arthritis, stroke, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
In addition to winterizing the home, people ages 50 and older are
urged to get an annual flu shot, since they are considered at risk
for seasonal flu. And H1N1 vaccinations are now available to seniors
who want them.
In dealing with cold weather, seniors are encouraged to:
-
Dress in layers,
both indoors and outdoors.
-
Keep active. Make
a list of exercises and activities to do indoors when you can't
get out.
-
Eat well and drink
10 glasses of water daily; Stock up on extra nonperishable food
supplies, just in case.
-
Keep extra medications in the house. If
this is not possible, make arrangements now to have your
medications delivered.
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-
Have your house
winterized. Be sure that walls and attics are insulated. Caulk
and weatherstrip doors and windows. Insulate pipes near outer
walls, in crawl spaces and attics that are susceptible to
freezing.
-
Make sure you and
your family know how to shut off the water supply in case pipes
burst.
-
Prepare your
vehicle by checking wipers, tires, lights and fluid levels
regularly. Keep a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and
snow removal. Maintain at least a half-tank of gas during the
winter season. Plan long trips carefully and travel by daylight
with at least one other person.
-
Protect against
fire. If you don't have a fire extinguisher, buy one. Make sure
space heaters are at least 3 feet from anything flammable. Do
not overload extension cords.
-
Do not shovel snow or walk in deep
snow. Plan now for someone else to shovel the snow. The strain
from the cold and hard labor could cause a heart attack;
sweating can lead to a chill and even hypothermia.
For more information about program services to assist older
adults in Illinois and their caregivers, call the Department on
Aging Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966 or, for hearing-impaired use
only, call TTY 1-888-206-1327.
[Text from
Illinois
Department on Aging file received from
the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information]
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