Check in on Family Members During Cold Weather

Suggested lead: Older family members could use some special attention during cold weather. Tom Britt has more.

Friday, January 12, 2001

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Durham, N.C. -- Cold weather drives most of us indoors for warmth and comfort and often means less time spent on trips to visit other family members, including the elderly. Duke University Medical Center social worker Edna Ballard says this is unfortunate, since the cold months are the time when we especially need to keep up contact and communication with older family and friends. Ballard says if you don't want to give the impression that you're checking up on a senior, you might consider asking if they'd like a ride somewhere or some company going to the mall or some other place where there is activity.

"Older people may not feel as free to go out for certain kinds of activities, particularly if the weather is bad or if it's icy, or even to drive to activities in the evening when it gets dark earlier."

Ballard says offering to provide transportation to an activity or a doctor's appointment is a good way to reach out to an elderly friend or family member, especially if they are no longer able to drive for themselves.