Winter weather and safety precautions for people with dementia

Winter weather conditions — such as freezing temperatures, snow, ice and early darkness — can be dangerous, and even life threatening, for people living with Alzheimer's or other dementias. However, by planning ahead and taking necessary precautions, caregivers can make a meaningful difference in keeping their loved ones safe. The Alzheimer’s Association offers these tips to keep people living with dementia safe during the winter months:

• Be prepared. Check weather conditions regularly for winter storms and have emergency plans in place. Tackle to-do lists efficiently in one trip during the cold season and consider rescheduling nonurgent appointments during snowstorms.
  
• Bundle up. Help the person living with Alzheimer's or dementia dress warmly for winter weather by wearing dry, loose-fitting layers and covering exposed skin with clothing, scarves and mittens. Remove layers as necessary for the environment to prevent overheating.
  
• Prevent slips. Balance and mobility can be a challenge for a person living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Assume all surfaces are slick; assist the person by taking smaller steps and slowing down, so they can match gait and speed to a safer level. Keep walkways clear and use handrails for added stability.
  
• Take advantage of the daylight. Winter months bring decreased sunlight and shorter days. Visual perception can be a challenge for those living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias and can cause increased confusion or disorientation in dark or shadowy environments both inside and out. Turn on indoor lights earlier, open curtains during daylight hours, and install motion detector lights for safer navigation.
  
• Watch for behavior changes. Shorter days during winter months can also increase the risk of “sundowning.” Monitor closely for agitation or restlessness as day transitions into night.
  
• Prevent wandering. Wandering can be extremely dangerous in colder conditions. Six in 10 people with dementia will wander and become lost at some point, many do so repeatedly. If not found within 24 hours, up to half of wandering individuals will suffer serious injury or death.
  • If the person living with dementia is missing, begin your search immediately. Start by searching the immediate vicinity, including “less-traveled” areas in your home. Outside the home, search the yard and nearby surroundings. Most wanderers are found within a half mile of their homes or starting location.
  • When looking, consider whether the individual is right- or left-handed — wandering patterns generally follow the direction of the dominant hand.
  • If, after 15 minutes, the person is not located, call 911 to file a missing person’s report. Ensure a swift response by alerting the police that the individual has Alzheimer’s disease and is a “vulnerable adult.”
  • The Alzheimer’s Association has more information on wandering at alz.org/wandering.
    
• Buddy up. Seek support from family members or others for tasks outside the home, such as errands, grocery shopping or snow/ice removal.

More safety tips can be found by visiting the Alzheimer’s Association website at alz.org/safety. The Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline also provides free reliable information and support to all those who need assistance. Call the Helpline toll-free anytime at 800.272.3900.