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How to Prepare Seniors for the Winter

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October 28, 2021

As quickly as the leaves have changed colors, the temperatures are changing too! Before you know it, you’ll be trading in your light autumn cardigan for a heavy winter coat. Yes, that’s right! Winter will be here before you know it and it’s important to make sure your loved ones, particularly seniors, are well prepared for the colder months to come.

Your Winter Safety Checklist

Home Maintenance: The fall is the perfect time to make sure your loved one’s home is prepared for the winter season before that first snowflake hits the ground. Check to make sure the heating system is up to date and ready before the first day of winter. Check doors and windows for cracked or worn seals, and insulate drafty windows with indoor window kits. It’s also a good time to check and replace batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
Stock up on Home Supplies: With slippery roads and heavy snow, winter travel can be a massive challenge for seniors. Stock up their home with non-perishable foods such as canned items, frozen meals and bottled water to eliminate trips during hazardous weather. Don’t forget to stock up on common over-the-counter medications, a first aid kit, as well as extra batteries for flashlights. You’ll never know when you’ll need these items! It’s best to keep them available at all times.
Keep Emergency Contacts Ready at Hand: In case of emergency, it’s important to keep a list of emergency contacts readily available. Whether it’s in a phone book, cellphone, or even just on the fridge, keep a list of contacts including local snow plowing services, primary care physician, neighbor, and of course, your own contact info to make sure your loved one has it readily available in case of emergency.
Proper Winter Wardrobe: Seniors are more susceptible to hypothermia because the body’s ability to regulate temperature and sense cold may lessen with age. Some health disorders may also affect body temperature regulation including stroke and severe arthritis. Make sure your loved one has enough warm layers (and warm blankets!) for the cold winter months. If they have to go outside for any reason, a winter hat and gloves are a must to stay warm.

How Notre Dame Health Care Can Help Ease the Winter Transition

At Notre Dame Health Care, we know the potential risks that winter brings. As the temperature drops, seasonal challenges including snow and ice can become detrimental to the health of seniors. Not to mention, for seniors living independently, it can be a lonely time for them with loved ones not being able to visit as often. We know there are a lot of moving parts when it comes to keeping your loved ones safe in their home (especially during the winter season!) so let us help. When residents join our du Lac Assisted Living Community or our Long Term Care and Rehabilitation Center, seniors and their loved ones are given peace of mind knowing that their loved one is being taken care of.