Get Your Loved Ones' Home Winter-Ready Today!

Winter is a beautiful time of year, but when it comes to caring for our elderly loved ones, it's also the season that brings extra challenges. As a home health nurse in very snowy Colorado, I've seen firsthand how important it is to be prepared for anything Mother Nature throws our way—from power outages to snowstorms. So, let's talk about how to make sure your elderly loved ones are safe and cozy during those chilly months, without adding any extra risks.

Start with Weatherproofing the Home

You don't have to become a handyman to keep your home ready for winter, but a walk around the house with an eagle eye and a few simple steps can go a long way to make sure the cold stays outside where it belongs.

1. Seal up drafts: Check around windows and doors for any drafts. If you feel a cold breeze sneaking in, try using draft stoppers or some weather stripping. It's quick and easy to do, and it'll help keep the house warm without cranking up the thermostat. Please make sure whatever you do use is not a tripping hazard which can cause bigger problems. 

2. Close off unused rooms: If there are rooms in the house that aren't used often, go ahead and close the doors and cover any gaps at the bottom. This helps the heat stay in the areas where your loved one spends the most time, keeping things warmer without overworking the heater.

3. Pipe protection: Make sure the pipes in colder areas, like basements and crawl spaces, are insulated. Burst pipes are a nightmare, especially when it's freezing out, so a bit of foam insulation can save you a huge headache later.

4. Make sure furnaces are maintained and propane tanks are full!  You know the propane tank will be empty on the coldest day of the year or, better yet, Christmas! Make sure you check on these things in the Fall and schedule maintenance if necessary. 

Emergency Supplies: Simple but Essential

Winter storms can sometimes knock out power or make it hard to leave the house. Preparing ahead of time with a few basic supplies can make all the difference.

1. Non-perishable foods and water: Make sure you've got a good stock of canned soups, dry snacks, and plenty of bottled water if you're stuck indoors for a few days. Avoid anything that requires too much preparation, as simple is best.  If your loved one can not use a can opener, make sure you find other soup options. 

2. Extra blankets and warm clothing: Instead of using space heaters (which can be dangerous), stock up on cozy blankets, thermal socks, and layered clothing. Wool blankets are particularly good at holding in heat.

3. Battery-powered lighting: In case of a power outage, keep a flashlight and extra batteries in an easy-to-reach spot. Even better, consider some battery-powered lanterns and lighted motion sensors for high-traffic areas and the bathroom. They're safer than candles, especially for someone with memory issues, and they'll provide plenty of light.

4. Charged phone with emergency contacts: Make sure their phone is always fully charged, and if possible, keep a portable charger handy. Program emergency contacts into the phone so that with one press, they can call for help.

5. Medications and medical supplies: Ensure there's enough of any necessary medication to last through a potential snowstorm or road closure. It's also a good idea to keep a basic first-aid kit on hand, just in case.

6. Backup power for medical equipment: If your loved one relies on any medical devices, like oxygen, make sure you've got a backup plan for power outages. Many companies that supply medical equipment offer battery packs or generators specifically for these situations.

7. Keep communication open: Have a plan in place to check in with neighbors or other family members, especially if your loved one lives alone. During power outages or storms, it's comforting to know someone nearby can help if needed.

Safe Snow and Ice Tips

It's not just the cold that we have to worry about; snow and ice can cause their own set of problems. Slippery sidewalks and driveways are a major risk for falls.

1. Walkways and driveways: Before a storm, put down some ice melt or sand on the walkways. After a snowfall, clear paths as soon as you can. If your loved one is prone to falls, avoid having them go outside until it's safe.

2. Stay inside during icy weather: Encourage them to stay indoors when there's ice outside. Even if they feel confident, the risk just isn't worth it. Make sure there are plenty of activities inside to keep them entertained.

3. Footwear: Good, sturdy shoes with non-slip soles are a must. If your loved one does need to step outside, make sure they're bundled up in appropriate winter gear, and maybe even use some shoe grippers designed for ice. Here in Colorado YakTracks are a must-have for everyone, especially our older loved ones. 

Stay Connected

One of the most important things you can do during the winter is check in often. Whether it's a phone call or a visit, knowing someone is looking out for them brings a lot of comfort to our elderly loved ones, especially during a storm. It also helps you stay on top of any immediate needs they might have.

So, there you have it! A little preparation can go a long way in keeping our seniors safe and warm this winter. Just think of it as wrapping them up in love—and a few extra blankets—for the cold months ahead.

Together…