Cincinnati elder law attorneys provide help to seniors in addressing their needs as they age. Whether this means helping seniors in qualifying for benefits or helping seniors with making plans for end of life issues, Zimmer Law Firm is here to offer assistance as seniors take steps to improve their quality of life and take steps to remain independent for as long as possible.  

Seniors can face special challenges due to their age, including age-related infirmities that may necessitate extra help and support.  The winter can be an especially challenging time for seniors.   Recently, 2 News WDNT published an article providing some helpful tips for seniors who need assistance getting through the cold winters in Ohio.

Winter Tips for Seniors

As WDNT pointed out, winter can present challenges to seniors in all different types of situations, as bad weather and dropping temperatures make it difficult both for seniors to stay independent and for seniors to receive the care that they require.  Weather conditions can be uncertain, which adds to the challenges that seniors face.

One of the issues that can occur is that seniors with dementia may have difficulty responding appropriately to cold temperatures.  The Executive Director of the Greene County Council on Aging told WDNT, “The brain controls everything about us. Except our soul. That includes our thermostat. We frequently find people with some type of dementia, their thermostat is messed up.”  Having difficulty regulating temperature puts older patients with dementia at risk because they may end up going out into the cold when it is not safe for them to do so.

Winter can take a toll on both physical health and mental health for all senior patients, even those without memory problems. Dehydration is a big concern for older residents of Ohio, according to the Executive Director of the Council on Aging.  Driving on the roads when there is ice and snow is also a hazard for seniors, who may be best off staying inside when it is very cold or when conditions are poor.

To help protect seniors, the Executive Director recommends that younger people check on elderly family and friends on a regular basis. Bringing food or arranging a food delivery service could help keep seniors off the roads at high-risk times while ensuring they get sufficient nutrition. A healthy diet can be especially important during the winter, so making sure seniors are eating right should be a top goal.

If seniors are taking medications, this can also become an issue as the temperature drops. Seniors should talk with their doctors to find out if the medications they are on impact body temperature and to make sure they will not need to make adjustments due to the cold.

Seniors and their families can also check with the United Way and with other local community groups to find out about services including meal delivery and transportation.  There may be many different programs that exist that can help seniors to avoid having to drive in the snow, that can provide help making utility payments if affording heat in the cold is difficult, and that can otherwise assist seniors in staying safe and healthy throughout the entirety of the winter months.

Getting Help from Cincinnati Elder Law Attorneys

Cincinnati elder law attorneys at Zimmer Law Firm will assist seniors in understanding the challenges they face throughout the year. We can provide guidance in identifying programs and services that seniors can take advantage of and can provide assistance to seniors who need more help than community groups and free programs can make available. This includes helping older residents to qualify for Medicaid coverage for long-term care services or nursing home care costs.

To find out more about the ways in which our legal team can provide assistance to you as you get older, or to find out how we can help your aging family members to enhance their quality of life by taking advantage of programs and services, join us for a free seminar. You can also give us a call at 513.721.1513 at any time to talk with a compassionate and knowledgeable legal professional who can help you to address some of the key issues seniors face as they age. Call now to get help personalized to your situation.