Cold Weather Safety in Overland Park for People with Dementia

Do you have a loved one with memory loss living in Overland Park, Olathe, Lenexa, Johnson County or Kansas City? Are you concerned about his or her health and safety this winter? The professional in-home memory caregivers at Thoughtful Healthcare are here to help. Here is a checklist of things to look out for to ensure the wellbeing and safety of your loved one with memory loss this winter.

  • Can she get to doctor’s appointments safely and regularly? If you are concerned about this checklist item in Fall or Spring, it’s natural to be more concerned as ice and snow come into the forecast.
  • Are you sure they won’t slip and fall outdoors? Is your loved one able to walk on icy paths safely?
  • Does he have access to fresh food and other necessities? Getting to the grocery store for fresh food is key, though some stores will deliver groceries to the home. Set up an account for your loved one and check in with him to see what he needs if he can’t get out and about in bad weather.
  • Can they get their medication when it’s snowy outside? Call your loved one’s pharmacy ahead of the blizzard to see if they can deliver prescriptions.
  • Are the utilities paid for? People with memory loss might forget to pay bills. Check to see that all heating, electricity and water bills are being paid on time.
  • Does she have people to check in on them? If you are living out of town, or are unable to visit regularly, you might try calling your loved one’s local religious group to see if there are people in the community who can check in on your loved one.

If you have answered no to any of these questions, or if you fear that your loved one with dementia might not be receiving what he or she needs, call us at Thoughtful Healthcare for a free in-home assessment. Our elder-care professionals are available to help your family 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.