Winter Safety With Assisted Living Sanctuary Of Anthem

Winter can be particularly difficult for seniors and their families, even though memory loss can bring special risks and difficulties throughout the year. Loved ones must be aware of the dangers of memory loss at the coldest time of the year, especially for those who are new to caregiving. Here are several seasonal risks to be aware of, including stumbling on slippery walkways and getting lost while it’s bad outside.

• Challenges to winter safety for seniors with memory loss

1. Injuries from falls increase in the winter. Among older adults, falls are the main cause of disability and fatal injuries. According to experts, one in four seniors will fall each year. People with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia frequently experience balance issues, which increases their risk of falling. Whether it is your home or the home of your loved one, be sure you have a strategy in place for clearing snow and treating slippery pathways.

2. Another activity that is prevalent in older persons with memory loss is wandering, which can be fatal. They do so for a variety of reasons, from being unable to locate a bathroom to failing to recognize their surroundings as their place of residence. Wandering away from home in poor weather can be lethal; however, it can be perilous at any time of year. Good information on reducing the possibility of your loved one straying from home may be found by the experts of Assisted Living Sanctuary of Anthem.

3. Growing older is a natural element of heightened cold sensitivity. It may get worse during the winter. A person in their adult years who has dementia may try to warm up using unsafe methods because dementia frequently impairs judgment. They might turn on the stove or oven, for instance, and fail to switch it off, which could result in a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Another fire risk that needs to be avoided is using space heaters. Seniors are more likely to set combustible things too close to the unit or fail to turn them off at night. Look for safer ways to keep the elder warm, such as putting warm clothing in visible places throughout the house and providing warm shoes.

4. Sundowner’s syndrome, also known as sundowning, involves a variety of behaviors, from anger and agitation to roaming, which is made worse by less daylight. Researchers think that less light is a contributing factor, albeit the exact explanation is unknown. The situation can deteriorate on gloomy winter days. Taking precautions to lessen the effects, including keeping all of the lights on in the house, could be beneficial.

• Memory care at Anthem Senior

The home’s security can be improved, but as dementia worsens, attentive surveillance is required. Assisted living sanctuary of Anthem can assist you if your responsibilities to your family, like caring for children and working outside the home, prevent you from maintaining that 24/7 oversight. Visit us at AZ 85086, US, or dial 602.909.9550 to know more.