Why Winter Months are the Most Dangerous for Senior Living Communities

Winter months bring unique challenges for senior living communities, with increased risks of elopements, falls, and cold-related health issues. By addressing these dangers proactively, communities can protect residents and provide peace of mind for families.

A 2023 report by the Washington Post found over one hundred deaths out of 2,000 adults who wandered away from senior living centers in the US from 2018 to 2023, including residents who wandered outside and froze to death.

A jury in Kenosha, Wisconsin, awarded the family of an 89-year-old woman four million dollars in 2024 after she wandered outside of the memory care community where she lived and was found frozen to death the next morning.

Another lawsuit was filed by the family of a 97-year-old Colorado woman who lived in an assisted-living community and was also found frozen to death in 2022 after she left the building wearing pajamas and a robe in 15-degree weather.

Even short amounts of time spent outside in cold temperatures is dangerous for seniors because they are more susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite as their bodies have a harder time retaining heat. Hypothermia can occur within one to two hours in temperatures around 15°F (-9°C) or lower and frostbite can occur on exposed skin in temperatures around 0°F (-18°C) with a wind chill in as little as 30 minutes. Conditions like diabetes and thyroid issues can further complicate one’s ability to stay warm.

Falls are also a major concern for seniors in the winter months due to icy and snowy conditions and reduced daylight which makes it harder to see hazards. One in four seniors report falling during the year and 37 percent of falls require medical treatment.

Elopement and Fall Prevention

It is important for senior living communities to take proactive measures to mitigate these risks, such as ensuring proper heating, providing adequate winter clothing, clearing walkways of ice and snow, and encouraging social activities indoors.

Having a nurse call system with wander management in place is the smartest way for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and assisted living communities to reduce the risk of falls or wandering from going unnoticed. One thing that can also get overlooked is residents who wear nurse call devices can still call for help right outside of a building if they slip or fall on the ice.

Nurse Call and wander management systems can also help alleviate staffing issues by making it easier to monitor residents for falls, elopements and other problems which give owners peace of mind their communities are exposed to less legal risk.

RFT’s Quick Response® Wireless Nurse Call Solution with enhanced CODE ALERT® software creates a secure, home-like environment with improved resident safety, increased staff efficiency, and reduced liability. Discreet wearable devices track residents’ movements, alert staff if a resident approaches a restricted area or attempts to exit the building, falls, or pushes a button for help. The technology allows residents to retain a sense of independence and privacy while ensuring their safety, a key aspect of preserving dignity in senior living care.

Preparing for the Winter Season

Communities should ensure staff are trained to recognize and respond to the unique dangers of winter wandering and falls outside.

Winter tips senior living communities can take:

Preventing Winter Elopements

• • Installing a robust wander management system.
  • Reinforcing home exits with alarms.
  • Dressing residents appropriately for the weather even if they do not intend to go outside.
  • Creating clear protocols for missing residents.

Winter Fall Prevention

• • Installing a nurse call system.
  • Clearing ice and snow.
  • Wearing proper footwear and using handrails to prevent falls.
  • Having adequate lighting indoors and outdoors.
  • Encouraging indoor social activities and virtual connections.
  • Providing transportation for essential errands.

Other

• • Maintaining a routine and staying active.
  • Ensuring proper heating and insulation.
  • Regularly checking on seniors.

Conclusion

As winter approaches, senior living communities must prioritize safety measures, from fall prevention to elopement protocols. Investing in nurse call and wander management systems not only reduces risks but also fosters trust and peace of mind for residents and their families.