Winter presents special risks for people with dementia

Snow, extreme temperatures and early darkness present unique challenges for those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. By taking precautions, caregivers can help keep their loved ones with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia safe.

“Winter weather brings risks to all of us, but for a person with Alzheimer’s disease, the risks are exacerbated,” said Donna Davies, Care Consultant/Senior Director of Programs and Services for the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter. “Dementia causes symptoms such as confusion, memory loss and impaired judgment, which can put the person with dementia at higher risk of injury in the winter. For example, if a person with dementia does not dress properly to go outside, their exposure to the elements can put them at risk of developing hypothermia or frostbite.”

The Alzheimer’s Association offers the following winter safety tips:

• Be prepared. Check weather conditions before leaving the house and prepare as much in advance as possible. Simplify scheduling by tackling to-do lists in one trip.
• Bundle up. A loved one with Alzheimer’s may not remember to dress appropriately for winter weather conditions. Make sure the person wears clothing that covers as much exposed skin as possible. Hats are important, since body heat escapes from an uncovered head, and remember to wrap a scarf to cover up an exposed neck. Mittens keep hands warmer than gloves and may be easier to help get on and off.
• Minimize slips and falls. Balance and mobility can be a challenge for a person living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Assume all surfaces are slick; assist the person by taking smaller steps and slowing down. Perception problems can make it difficult for a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia to see ice on sidewalks or realize they are slippery. Keep sidewalks and driveways clear to make walking outside safer. Utilize handrails and walk arm-in-arm when possible. Use indoor or garage parking or consider acquiring a state-issued handicapped placard permitting closer access to the entrances of buildings.
• Make daylight last. Winter months bring decreased sunlight and shorter days. Visual perception is already a challenge for those living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia and can cause increased confusion or disorientation in dark environments both inside and out. Turn on indoor lights earlier or install timers, open curtains during daylight hours and consider installing motion detector lights to help illuminate walkways around the home in case darkness falls before you arrive home from an outing.
• Prevent wandering. Wandering is one of the most frequent and challenging problems dementia caregivers face and can be extremely dangerous in colder conditions. Enroll in MedicAlert, a 24-hour nationwide emergency response service for individuals with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia who wander or have a medical emergency.
• Ask for help: It can be hard for caregivers to find time to complete simple tasks outside the home. Don’t hesitate to ask others for help with errands, grocery shopping or with snow/ice removal.

About the Hudson Valley Chapter

The Hudson Valley Chapter serves families living with dementia in seven counties in New York, including Duchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester. To learn more about the programs and services offered locally, visit alz.org/hudsonvalley.

About the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Its vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.