It’s December and winter is in full force! The temperatures are dropping, snow will soon fall and harsh winds will move in. When preparing your home for winter, think about the older adults in your life who may need help getting their homes ready as well. There are many preventative measures you can take to create a warm, comfortable and most importantly, safe home for your older loved ones.
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Keep the thermostat above 65. It may be tempting to turn the heat down at times to save on costs, but that can be dangerous. Older bodies are less efficient at regulating body heat, so it is imperative to keep rooms warm. Install a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your older loved one’s home.
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Check that drafts are blocked and windows insulated. You can hire someone or do this yourself in order to keep the heat indoors. Even the slightest openings between outside and the indoors can cause the temperature inside to drop drastically.
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Arrange for snow removal in advance. Don’t wait until the storms come! Make plans to come over after a storm, ask a neighbor or hire someone to clear the driveway and walkways when snow falls. This is also a great time to put salt down to prevent ice and the falls that come with it.
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Install sturdy railings on both sides of walkways. It’s not too late to put in sturdy railings for older adults to hold onto. This will give them a sense of stability and security when walking outside in the winter.
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Encourage older adults to wear non-skid boots. An easy way to prevent falls is making sure your loved one has non-skid boots or shoes with plenty of traction. Walking on ice is never easy, but a good pair of shoes can help with balance.
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Find indoor alternatives for exercise. When the weather turns bad, it’s easy to stay indoors to avoid the cold, ice and hassle. Unfortunately that isolation can lead to loneliness or depression, so offer to pick up your loved one and take them to a gym or the mall for a walk. Not only will this get their blood pumping, but it’s a great way to spend time together.
Now is the time to take these preventative measures and keep your loved ones safe. If you need help with any of these home repairs or installations, feel free to contact PrimeLife Home Improvement to get them done as soon as possible.
