How to help seniors brave the winter storm

 Here are some tips to help older and disabled adults stay safe in winter weather

• Check-in on elderly family and neighbors. If you're at all concerned about someone's safety, don't let him or her put you off. Stop by if you can.
• Clear walkways and handrails of snow and ice and put down salt or other ice melter. It's best to encourage seniors to stay inside. Falls can spell disaster for older adults. Bring in mail and newspapers.
• Check supplies of food and emergency items like flashlights, batteries, smoke alarm battery
• Check to make sure a space heater is being used properly: plug into outlet, not extension cord. Keep at least 3 feet away from anything that could burn, including the wall.
• If someone must get out (pick up a prescription, dr. appointment, etc.), offer to drive.
• Be a friend. Some seniors can get very isolated and stormy weather can make it worse.

A note about Meals on Wheels and transportation services during harsh winter weather:

• These days, most Meals on Wheels are delivered chilled or frozen because seniors can heat them in microwaves. When bad weather threatens, extra meals are delivered in advance. Meals on Wheels clients also get a supply of shelf stable foods (peanut butter, tuna fish, etc.) to help them through weather emergencies.
• Most transportation trips are put on hold in unsafe weather, but some transportation is critical, such as for dialysis patients.
• Council on Aging provides funding for Meals on Wheels, transportation and other services to seniors in a 5-county region of southwestern Ohio.
• Annually, we supply more than 2 million meals to more than 11,000 homebound adults.
• Annually, we supply more than 250,000 trips to medical appointments, adult day services, recreation activities, and more.
• The meals and transportation are delivered by providers, such as in-home care agencies and senior centers, who have contracts with Council on Aging.

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About Council on Aging

Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio (COA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older adults and their families.

Since 1974, COA has been designated by the state of Ohio as the Area Agency on Aging for Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton and Warren counties. COA plans, coordinates, funds and administers programs for an area that is home to more than 252,000 adults age 60 and older.

COA promotes choice, independence, dignity and well-being of older adults through a range of services that help them remain in their homes for as long as possible. One call to COA links people to the wide variety of agencies, information and programs that serve older adults.

For Answers on Aging:
Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio
175 Tri County Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45246
513-721-1025 Toll-free 1-800-252-0155
E-mail: info@help4seniors.org
Website: www.help4seniors.org

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