Elderly need to be extra cautious when cold weather hits

TULSA, Okla - All over Green Country people are seeking warmth from this winter blast but it's the elderly in particular that really need to play it safe.

John Staedke volunteers for Meals on Wheels. On Mondays, he delivers food to Marguerite Bagby.

"Being on a cold, nasty day to be able to bring warm food to somebody is a treat," Staedke says.

But it's not just a hot meal he delivers. He also brings a helping hand to those who are elderly and home bound. Staedke says snowy days like this can be dangerous because there are times when a client's heat or phone has been cut off and no one is around to check on them. Bagby says she's grateful Meals on Wheels is there to make sure she's okay.

"They want to know, do I want anything? They are so nice. They are all so nice."

The staff at Senior Helpers knows all too well just how important it is to check on the elderly during inclement weather. Many of their clients suffer from dementia or Alzheimers, which makes them even more vulnerable. Plus, there are certain medications that Cheryl Doyle says can leave seniors unaware of the cold.

"They are more prone to hypothermia even if the temperature is set at 60 or 70 degrees because they're not moving, they have less body fat," she says.

If they do go outside, there's a greater chance they'll fall on icy walkways. So, Doyle tells her clients to keep their kitchens stocked for when the weather turns bad. Meals on Wheels does leave emergency provisions in what they call a blizzard bag.