Dept on
Aging Offers Tips to Help Seniors Prepare For Winter
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[January 16, 2012]
SPRINGFIELD - To
mark the first official week of winter, Illinois Department on Aging
Director John K. Holton, Ph.D., reminded older adults and their
families to get ready for the cold weather. Some to do items include
things to protect their homes and their health like having the
furnace checked and getting a flu shot.
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“The mercury is already dropping, but it’s not too late to get
ready,” said Director Holton. “The flu season runs through April, so
a flu shot is strongly recommended for people ages 50 years and
older, who are considered to be at risk for influenza. And there are
some practical tips for older adults, their families and caregivers
who care for them to help prepare in anticipation of the cold
weather ahead.”
Seniors should make sure they set their thermostats above 65
degrees. Older persons are more susceptible to fall 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. Also
at an 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.
It’s important to have the furnace checked to be sure that it is in
good shape and heating ducts are properly ventilated. Proper
ventilation is also a concern when using alternative heat from a
fireplace, wood stove or space heater. If you use heating oil, be
sure that you have enough heating oil.
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The state has a website that offers information about how to battle
winter in Illinois and about available resources so seniors aren’t
left to make difficult decisions like, whether to pay their heating
bills or take their prescription medications this winter. For more
information on how to keep warm, call 1-877-411-WARM or log on to
www.keepwarm.illinois.gov.
In preparation for cold weather, the following are some tips that
seniors are encouraged to do:
* 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
non-perishable food supplies, just in case.
* Keep extra medications in the house. If this is not possible, make
arrangements now to have your medications delivered.
* Have your house winterized. Be sure that walls and attics are
insulated. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows. Insulate pipes
near outer walls, in crawl spaces and attics that are susceptible to
freezing.
* Make sure you and your family knows how to shut off the water
supply in case pipes burst.
* Prepare your vehicle for winter. Check 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.
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* Protect against fire. If you don’t have a fire extinguisher, buy
one. Make sure space heaters are at least three 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.
A few more tips to keep you safe and self-reliant in case of power
failure:
* If you have a gas stove and it has an electronic ignition,
check to see if you can light the top burners should your power go
out. (If you have an older stove, you may even be able to use your
oven.)
* DO NOT under any circumstances use your oven to heat your home.
Carbon monoxide can build up and can kill you and everyone in your
home.
* If you have an electric stove, make sure you have food that can be
prepared without cooking.
* For telephone use - always have a corded phone available. Cordless
phones do not work without power.
* Have a battery operated radio (weather radio is best) so you can
listen to updates on weather conditions or receive instructions on
what to do to keep safe, or if necessary receive information on
evacuating.
For more information about programs and services to assist older
adults in Illinois and their caregivers, call
the Department on Aging Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966 or for TTY
(hearing impaired use only) call 1-888-206-1327.
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