Winter presents a host of challenges for everyone, especially for senior adults. The cold weather can be harsh on their bodies, while slippery sidewalks can cause slip-and-fall accidents. As such, it's important to keep a safe environment for your senior family members this season.

To help your senior family member cope with the cold weather, Visiting Angels Medina, which offers elder care services in Medina, OH, shares a few tips to help them prepare for the cold weather:

• Keep Them Warm: Older people are susceptible to flu and hypothermia, a condition where the body temperature drops too low. To prevent hypothermia, make sure they wear warm clothes when they go out. Serving warm foods such as soups and noodles can also maintain their body temperature.

• Prepare an Emergency Kit: Set up an emergency kit that includes medications, water, food, toiletries, batteries, and a first-aid kit for the winter. This way, you can be sure your senior parent or grandparent has enough supplies during an emergency situation.

• Keep Your Home Safe: Slippery sidewalks can be dangerous for your elderly family members, so keep the exterior clean to prevent accidents. See to it that they are wearing shoes with slip-resistant soles to make walking easier.

• Watch Their Diet: Prepare a nutritious, well-balanced diet to keep them healthy during the cold months. Give them foods rich in vitamins and minerals. Vitamin C-rich foods will build their resistance against sickness, while vitamin D-rich foods can keep their bones strong.

Proper elder care will ensure that your senior family members will stay safe and healthy during the winter. If you need assistance with senior care for your aging family members, call Visiting Angels Medina at (330) 723-0300. They offer non-medical home care companions who can look after your loved ones while you’re away. Visit them online to learn more about their elder care services.