Winter is Still ‘Swingin’, so Stay Prepared when Providing Home Care

By Jamie Shapiro | February 24, 2015 | Comments Off on Winter is Still ‘Swingin’, so Stay Prepared when Providing Home Care

Buffalo Grove, IL  – Providing Home Care in the Winter

We may be moving into March, but winter is still swinging hard across much of the country. For people who rely on home care and their caregivers, it’s important to remain vigilant with regard to various weather conditions.

Spring doesn’t arrive until March 20th, and while the average temperatures should begin climbing, that’s not always the case. Much of the northern portion of the country, especially the northern Plains and the Northeast, have been dealing with a horrendous winter season. Satellite images show much of the region completely covered in snow and ice, including most of the Great Lakes.

As the temperatures begin to climb, there may be high winds and severe storms that roll through. Combined with all of the snow that exists on the ground already, it can lead to flooding, refreezing, and other issues. The first week in March, the 1st through the 7th, is National Severe Storm Preparedness week and that’s a good opportunity to talk seriously about developing an emergency plan for the senior client relying on home care as well as the caregiver.

Have a communication plan in place.

If the caregiver is not able to get to the client’s home, they should be able to reach the client and let them know. If the client doesn’t answer the phone, see if there’s a neighbor, family member, or friend close by who could relay important information. These events should be rare, but when they do occur, it’s best to have clear communication in place.

Plan ahead.

Even though meteorologists still bear the brunt of many jokes regarding ineffective forecasts, they are still far more accurate today than they were just a few decades ago. Pay attention to the weather and if there is a prospect of severe weather that could impact one’s ability to reach a client’s home, make provisions ahead of time.

This could include having extra meals prepared that only need to be reheated in the microwave, making sure the client has enough clean laundry on hand, and checking with various doctor’s offices about cancellation policies.  When you’re prepared for severe weather, especially when it comes to home care, it can make a world of difference for the client.

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care services in Buffalo Grove, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 943-3786. Our home care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette and the surrounding areas.

Jamie Shapiro
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