With winter comes cold weather and slippery walkways. For seniors, this time of year poses unique risks to their safety. As such, it’s crucial you and your elderly loved ones follow a few tips to avoid injuries or illnesses. Below, the senior living community staff at Murphy Properties in New London County, CT, shares some suggestions to ensure a healthy and happy winter season. 

Senior Living Community’s Top 3 Tips for Winter Safety

1. Bundle Up

As you get older, your metabolism often slows down, and your blood circulation reduces. As a result, elderly individuals usually become colder much faster than others. To keep them comfortable and from getting sick, have your loved one bundle up. They should wear gloves, scarves, and hats whenever they leave the house.

2. Stay Strong

Because winter brings with it rain, snow, and ice, elderly individuals face a higher risk of slip-and-fall accidents during this time of year. While a minor fall might not seem very dangerous, for older people, it could lead to significant injuries, such as broken bones or dislocated hips. To prevent this from happening, remind your loved one to take their vitamins and supplements, and ensure they keep up with a balanced, nutritious diet. Calcium, in particular, will help strengthen their bones, so they are less likely to experience a break or fracture.

3. Home Maintenance

To keep the inside and outside of the home safe, schedule a service appointment with an HVAC contractor to ensure your loved one’s heating system will work properly all winter long. Additionally, make plans for how snow will be handled. For example, if they reside in a senior living community, find out if the staff will handle shoveling and salting the grounds after a storm.

If you’re looking for a senior living community that ensures safe conditions all year long, turn to the team at Murphy Properties. Their independent living rentals are well maintained, clean, and comfortable. Visit them online to learn about the apartments they have available, and give them a call today at (860) 599-1980 to speak with a helpful team member.