Marquette County is a beautiful place to live; however, winter in the Upper Peninsula (UP) can be difficult to manage. Frigid temperatures, heavy snowfall, and even the lack of sunlight are all a part of what makes our clients’ lives trickier in the winter. However, for seniors aging at home, it is still possible to live a full life. By staying safe from hazardous conditions, staying up to date on vaccinations and doctor’s appointments, and being sure to eat well and stay hydrated, winter can be just as beautiful and fulfilling as other months of the year.

Stay Safe During Winter Months

Because conditions during the winter months can get extreme, there are a few things that should be remembered in order to stay safe while staying at home. While staying active is vital to staying healthy, extreme temperatures can be incredibly dangerous for vulnerable populations. Staying inside when it’s extremely cold out is the safest option, but going out can’t always be avoided. If you have to leave home, be sure to dress appropriately for the conditions, layering when necessary.

Additionally, icy and snowy conditions call for special care. When the snow starts piling up, keeping paths and sidewalks clear is important for safety. Letting snow be packed onto sidewalks and paths can be dangerous. Icy sidewalks and paths should be salted to keep them clear and safe to travel.

Stay Up-to-Date

Vaccines are crucial for seniors. With RSV becoming more prevalent and the dangers of shingles and COVID-19, being sure to stay up to date on your shots protects you from the worst symptoms of these illnesses. Even the flu can be dangerous for certain parts of the population. Pneumonia can also be fatal if untreated, so if you’re eligible to receive the vaccine, schedule an appointment right away.

Make sure to meet with your doctor regularly, too. Although it can be difficult to find motivation in the wintertime, meeting with your doctor helps you stay healthy.

Eat Healthy and Stay Hydrated

It can be easy to get into the habit of not eating healthy foods or drinking enough water, but staying hydrated and making sure to get proper nutrition is vital to staying healthy. Having adequate vitamins and minerals helps your immune system function well and can help you and your loved ones maintain a higher quality of life. Planning meals and shopping for nutritious foods can be difficult to do alone, but an at-home caregiver can help seniors maintain a healthy diet by taking care of these tasks.

Contact Marquette Home Care

If you or a senior loved one needs help maintaining their health and safety in the winter, Marquette Home Care can help you. We provide assistance to clients across the Marquette area, including Negaunee, Harvey, Ishpeming, Gwinn, and Skandia, with grocery shopping, shoveling, salting icy pathways when needed, and other necessary tasks. Contact Marquette Home Care online or call 906-361-8022 today to schedule our services.