Winter preparation is key for everyone, but it can be particularly important for seniors who live independently. The right strategy can ensure they are safe, comfortable, and healthy during the winter months. Loved ones and the home care team can monitor and assess seniors’ homes to take steps to winterize and more.

Here are some suggestions and solutions:

Check the Heating System

• Get a professional to check the stoves, boilers, and space heaters as part of the heating system to make sure they are in good shape.
• To make your heating work better and the air better, change the air filters and clean the pipes.
• Install smoke and carbon monoxide monitors, changing the batteries if necessary.

Find and Stop Drafts

• Window and door leaks should be checked. Weatherstripping, glue, or draft stoppers can be used to fill in any holes or cracks.
• To make windows warmer, put storm windows or plastic film on them.
• To keep heat from escaping, insulate the attic and crawl areas.

Pay Attention to Fireplaces

• A professional should check out and clean the chimney and flue before it is used.
• Put a screen or glass doors in front of the stove to keep sparks from going out.
• Stockpile firewood if the fireplace is still used.
• The home care team should monitor seniors to ensure they safely use the fireplace.

Check the Insulation in the Home

• Make sure the walls, roof, and floors are properly insulated to keep the temperature inside comfortable.
• If needed, loved ones should discuss adding more insulation with seniors.

Winterize the Plumbing

• To keep pipes from freezing, insulate them and let taps drip on very cold nights.
• In case of an emergency, the home care team and seniors should know where the main water shutoff is.

Focus on Safety Measures

• Ensure outdoor paths and stairs have nonslip surfaces to keep people from slipping and falling.
• To lower the risk of falls, ensure floors are dry when entering the home from a wet outside.
• Add grip bars where necessary to help seniors balance themselves.

Make Preparations For the Outdoors

• It’s essential to clear snow and ice off of the driveway, walkways, and stairs often to keep seniors from slipping and falling.
• Make sure the outdoor lighting works so seniors can see better in the dark winter months.
• Cut back trees that hang over to keep ice and snow from damaging them.
• Loved ones and the home care team need to work together to ensure seniors are safe when traveling outdoors.

Prepare For Emergencies

• Help seniors put together a survival kit with things like water, blankets, flashlights, non-perishable food, and a radio that runs on batteries.
• Make a plan for what to do in case of an emergency, including how to reach friends, family, and medical professionals.

Caring for the Physical Self

• The home care team should ensure seniors have enough prescription and over-the-counter medicines to treat typical winter illnesses.
• Encourage seniors to make appointments with their doctor or nurse regularly to address any health issues.

Following these steps will help seniors stay safe and warm in their own homes this winter. In addition, loved ones and the home care team should talk with seniors consistently to assess what other needs they might need.

Sources: https://www.aarp.org/home-family/your-home/info-2021/diy-home-maintenance-for-fall/?cmp=RDRCT-8c2c525b-20211008
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/cold-weather-safety-older-adults

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Baxter TN please contact the caring staff at Senior Solutions Home Care. (931) 208-1019

Senior Solutions Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Cookeville, Algood, Baxter, Monterey, Sparta, Smithville, Livingston, Dodson Branch, Gainesboro, Putnam County, and surrounding areas.

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seniorsolutionshomecarestaff

Staff at Senior Solutions Home Care

At Senior Solutions, we have refined our care management skills and developed high care standards to ensure the best care for our clients and their families, along with a commitment to training and mentorship for our professional caregivers and office staff.

Over the years, we have expanded, providing service in all 95 counties throughout Tennessee, and we now have a growing presence in Georgia.

Senior Solutions is recognized as a top 5% independent agency and a three-time Inc. 5000 honoree in 2018, 2019, and 2020. These types of awards matter to us because they show growth in our goal of eventually touching a million lives. We’re excited to continue that growth and to touch even more families with our commitment to quality care!

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