Alzheimer's Association: Keep loved ones with dementia safe during cold weather

Press Release 

As temperatures have dropped and snow has blanketed much of Western New York over the past week, the Western New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association offers safety tips for navigating the winter season, as freezing temperatures, snow, ice and early darkness can be challenging and stressful for people living with dementia and their care partners.

By preparing themselves and their homes in advance, caregivers can make a big difference in keeping their loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia safe. Some tips include:

•Be prepared. Winter storms can be dangerous for anyone. Check weather conditions regularly and have contingency plans in place. If a snowstorm is on the horizon, consider rescheduling appointments that are not urgent. Tackle to-do lists in one trip to avoid making multiple trips out of the house.

•Bundle up. Help the person living with Alzheimer’s dress warmly for winter weather conditions by covering exposed skin. A good option to consider is wearing several layers of lightweight clothing for easy movement.

•Prevent slips. Balance and mobility can be a challenge for a person living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, so assume all surfaces are slick. Assist the person living with dementia by wearing sturdy shoes and walking slowly when outside. Keep sidewalks and driveways clear, use handrails or walk arm-in-arm. Consider acquiring a state-issued handicapped placard to enable closer access to buildings.

•Prevent wandering. Wandering is one of the most frequent and challenging problems that caregivers face and can be extremely dangerous in colder conditions. If a family member wanders, start by searching the immediate vicinity, including “less-traveled” areas in the home. Outside the home, search the yard and nearby surroundings. Most people who wander are found within a half mile of their homes or starting location. If the person is not located quickly, call 911 to have first responders assist in the search – in winter weather, a missing vulnerable adult is an emergency. Ensure a swift response by alerting the police that the individual has Alzheimer’s disease so they can be approached appropriately. Consider installing a doorbell camera or other outdoor monitoring device to quickly know what the person was wearing and in what direction they are moving.

•Make daylight last. Winter months bring decreased sunlight and shorter days. Visual perception can be a challenge for those living with dementia, causing increased confusion or disorientation in dark or shadowy 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.

To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and ways you can support families and people living with the disease, visit alz.org/wny.

More about the Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia – by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia. Visit alz.org or call 800-272-3900.