4 Winter Safety Tips for Seniors Who Use Medical Oxygen

4 Winter Safety Tips for Seniors Who Use Medical Oxygen

While enjoying the snow, slush, and cold winter breeze, nothing compares the comfort of sitting in the warm, cozy blanket in front of the fire. If your senior loved one uses medical oxygen, it is important to keep your home a safe place for oxygen therapy equipment. home care New haven professionals suggest taking precautionary measures to stay safe and secure in winter while your loved one uses oxygen equipment in the home.

1. Avoid Overheating

Put out any sources of open flame, such as wood stoves, gas stoves, fireplaces, candles, and other open flames, as these can be serious fire hazards for medical oxygen users. Even vents and heaters for central heating can become harmful if exposed directly to the therapy equipment for too long. Make sure to keep the oxygen unit at least 8 to 10 feet away from any open flame and heat sources to prevent explosions from highly combustible concentrated oxygen.

2. Don’t Use Petroleum-Based Skin Products

Dry skin and chapped lips commonly appear in the winter season. When choosing a lotion to rejuvenate your parched skin, make sure not to buy any petroleum-based skin products. These substances are found to create harmful reactions when exposed to medical oxygen, leading to skin burns around the areas of application. Choose cocoa butter, aloe vera, and water-based products.

3. Store Oxygen Tanks Wisely

The oxygen tank in-use should be secured in a stand upright or a cart to avoid tipping. If you have spare tanks, avoid storing them in closets, cabinets, unventilated areas, or under curtains, clothing, and fabric, and next to heat sources. If a cart upright is not available, store the tanks flat and safe from rolling. Make sure to store full tanks separate from the empty ones.

4. Insulate The Tank

The tubing is likely to crack when transferred from heat to cold quickly. If your loved one likes to venture outside, the oxygen therapy device should be insulated when going out. Cover the tank with a thermal covering or a blanket to retain heat before stepping outside the house, because a sudden drop in temperature can create damaging condensation in the tank. Moreover, the batteries also lose power in cold temperature, so keep them insulated as well and take an extra while traveling.

Managing symptoms of a chronic disease can become challenging for your aging loved one. For seniors living in Milford respite care offered by a reputed caregiver agency is one of the best ways to prevent a wide variety of diseases. This can allow your loved one to reach health goals and lead a high quality of life while aging in place with family and cherished memories.

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