Winter Moving Safety for the Elderly

Going through the moving process at any time of the year can be a stressful ordeal.  Moving during the Winter, however, brings its own set of challenges and safety hazards.  This is especially true for the elderly.  The following article will discuss a few tips to ensure proper winter moving safety for the elderly.

Health Must Be A Priority

It is quite easy to get distracted from regular health care during any busy or stressful life event.  This is why it is especially important to keep health and safety a priority.  If there are any health issues that are being treated (Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Diabetes, etc.) make sure everything that is needed to remain comfortable and safe is in an easily accessible location.  

For example, use a travel case for medication during the relocation.  And, set an alarm on a phone or watch as a reminder that it is time to take medication.  In most cases, medication should be taken with food or a beverage.  This in itself is a reminder to stay hydrated and well-fed.  Don’t skip any meals!  

It may offer some peace of mind to know that senior residences (or RPAs- Résidences privées pour aînés in Quebec) are obligated to have health care on staff.  Hopefully, the family and the resident became familiar with what is available in their selected home as they discussed elder care planning.  

There are also Residential and long-term care centers (CHSLD) in certain areas.  

A CHSLD is a great resource available to adults who fit a certain profile.  For example, perhaps it’s merely unsafe for a citizen to live in their own homes (even with the help of others).  Or, they need extra support that doesn’t make sense for their current home situation.  

According to Centre intégré de santé et des services sociaux de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue, they are residential resources offered to adults who fit a geriatric profile.  They are also offered to elderly individuals who, due to great loss of autonomy, can no longer reside at home, despite support services from family and the community. 

This may include:

• Persons with physical and cognitive impairment;
• Persons with progressive disease;
• Persons with permanent loss of autonomy.

In order to determine which living arrangement is best, there is the possibility of having psychosocial assessments done.  Many times, a clinical social worker may even be asked to offer their own recommendations or opinions.

“ Medical experts conduct this evaluation to shed light on some social or psychological factor that may be affecting a person’s health, be it physical or mental. Hence, it is very important that this examination be conducted in a way that puts the patient at ease with the examiner.”

  – PsycholoGenie

While this may sound a tad extreme depending on the situation, it is not meant to cause distress.  It’s quite the opposite, in fact!  Having any form of psychosocial evaluation done prior to moving into a residence will ensure the proper care is being provided, and no stone goes unturned.  

This will also ensure that the transition into the new home is made as smoothly as possible.  Limiting the emotional turmoil caused by such a life event is often more important than one would first assume!  It is worth speaking to a professional throughout the entire process.

Confirm What Services Are Provided

 From mobile dentists to mobile blood tests, facilities do their best to facilitate the process of getting the proper health care.  This is why they have such an array of health professionals as part of their staff.  Occupational therapists, physical therapists, rehabilitation- there are several services a home may have.  

Understandably, it may be difficult to remember what services are provided at each residence.  Ask as many questions as possible prior to the moving day.  It is important to know that the residence has everything needed.  And, if something is unavailable, it is important to secure the service elsewhere.

Many residences are prepared for any situation calling for crisis management.  This means that they usually have medical equipment on-site. While this is helpful, it does not mean that it should replace a hospital visit if something should occur during the move.  It would be wise for at least one person to have a cell phone with them at all times in case of emergency.

Plan Ahead of Time

One of the best ways to set yourself up for success with any experience moving experience is to plan well in advance.  Ideally, you would have a three-month window of time (at least) between preparing to move and the actual moving day.  

Of course, there may be times when a last-minute move is the only option.  While we hope these situations are few and far between, it is important to use whatever time you do have wisely.

Factor In The Weather

While preparing to move may happen a few months or even years in advance, it is important to keep in mind what season the actual moving day will take place in.  Each season comes with its own benefits and disadvantages.

One of the prime aspects of moving during the Winter is that there are generally fewer people moving.  This is important when it comes to hiring moving services.  Not only will it be easier to book them for the desired date, but it may even be more affordable.  Since the wintertime is considered an “off” season, many movers provide their services for a lower rate.  It is advised to speak to your movers as each case is different.

It is also important to consider the fact that certain weather conditions can make moving more dangerous.   For example, if it is snow season, flooring should be protected from wet boots to reduce the chance of slipping.  The last thing anyone wants is to have someone injured throughout the process!  Safety should always be handled with the foremost priority. 

Safety Precautions

Some of the other safety precautions that should be used while moving a senior’s residence are the following:

• Dress appropriately: Always remember that it is better to be able to remove a layer than it is to go without and wish you had another layer!  You may automatically assume that the move will work up a sweat and you’ll be warm enough.  However, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
• Wear loose layers:  Having space between the layers to keep the warm body heat circulating is important.
• Wear the proper boots:  Make sure they have good traction in case of ice, snow, hail, and sleet.
• Pack a second outfit, socks, and all.  If, for whatever reason, the outfit you wear gets wet, be sure to have a backup set of clothing.  No one wants to stay in cold, damp clothing.
• Keep an eye on the weather reports:  Have a second plan in case a storm or unsafe weather conditions cause a delay for the moving day.

These are only a few considerations to ensure moving safely during the winter.  

There are several other aspects of moving into retirement homes in general that should be kept under advisement.  Such as whether using the services of financial planners is recommended, or if you need a real estate broker to help sell your home- there are a lot of topics to cover!  We hope to continue to share useful information as time goes on, so stay tuned for more helpful posts in the future!

In the meantime, if you or anyone you know, would like help with any moving situation you find yourself in, contact Lianas.  Lianas services seniors in transition- from home downsizing to moving into a senior living community, Lianas can help!  

Whether the help is needed for downsizing in Montreal or downsizing in Toronto; Summer moving or Winter downsizing, call Lianas today to see how we can help you.  Call us at (514) 622-8074 or via email at info@lianasservices.com.  You can also leave us a message directly on our site here.