As we have discovered in the last 24 hours, Texas weather is known to change on a dime.

With a winter storm watch for tomorrow, we’re sharing some safety tips for caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s or dementia, who can be more impacted by weather changes — by being more affected by shorter days’ impact on vision and perception to an increase in “sundowning” and wandering. 

Winter weather conditions — colder temperatures, snow and ice, and early darkness — can be challenging and stressful for the more than 11 million people caring for loved ones living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, including well over one million caregivers in Texas. Today, there are more than six million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, including 400,000 in Texas. 

By preparing in advance, caregivers can make a big difference in keeping their loved ones safe. The Alzheimer’s Association Capital of Texas Chapter offers some safety tips for navigating the winter season as an Alzheimer’s or dementia caregiver, such as: 

• Be Prepared. Winter storms can be dangerous.Check weather conditions regularly and have emergency plans in place.
• Bundle Up. Help the person living with Alzheimer’s dress warmly for winter weather conditions by wearing dry, loose-fitting layers and covering exposed skin.
• Prevent Slips. Assume all surfaces are slick and take safety measures. Assist the person living with dementia by wearing sturdy shoes and walking slowly when outside.
• Buddy Up. Ask family, friends and neighbors for help with shoveling, grocery shopping or other errands. An Alzheimer’s Association survey says 84% of caregivers would like more support providing care for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia, especially from their family. 

To explore this story further, we sat down with Andrea Taurins, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association Capital of Texas Chapter and Jennifer Prescott, RN, MSN, caregiver to her mother-in-law with dementia.

More information on this topic can be found on the Alzheimer’s Association website or by calling their 24/7 hotline at (800)272-3900.