Updated from the original publication on November 7, 2019.
Winter is quickly approaching. That means it's time to prepare for the snow, ice and an early sunset. Senior loved ones are at risk of extra danger during the winter. If your senior loved one lives alone, there are many risks they could face during the winter months, including illnesses, injuries, and fires.
A few weeks ago, my grandma, who lives alone, left the iron on accidentally igniting a fire. Everything is OK, but the event made me worry about her, especially since the US Fire Administration says winter home fires account for only 8 percent of the total number of fires in the U.S., but result in 30 percent of all fire deaths.
You can worry less about senior loved ones knowing they have these ten things this winter.
1. Fresh Batteries in Smoke Detectors
While in my grandmother’s case, leaving the iron on was the culprit for catastrophe, other things to look out for are candles, space heaters, fireplaces (natural, electric or gas), electric or heated blankets, cookies in the oven, hot chocolate on the stove and those chestnuts roasting on the open fire. These are all possible fire hazards, so make sure your senior loved one has new batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and easy access to a phone and a fire extinguisher if needed.
2. Draft Guards
As we all know, the winter months in the northeast can get extremely cold, so it is vital to make sure your senior loved one’s home stays warm. One easy way is to ensure the home is properly insulated and does not have drafty doors or windows. This could mean getting a door draft stopper to block the door or adding weather stripping to any drafty window or door.
3. Action Plan
Something you and your senior loved one need is an action plan. A good action plan should outline steps to follow during an emergency. It also should list emergency contact numbers, insurance information, etc. Plan for common - and not-so-common - scenarios like power outages, getting snowed in, fire, medical emergencies, and more.
4. Emergency Preparedness Kit
A well-stocked kit can ensure the health and safety of your senior loved one even beyond the winter. Kits should include non-perishable food items, bottled water, some candy in case they have low blood sugar, medications they might need, a radio, a flashlight, and warm blankets. Our winter disaster supply kit checklist details some additional items to include.
5. Warm clothing and layers
Make sure your senior is dressed warm throughout the winter and has many layers for when they leave home. This includes gloves, warm boots, scarves, jackets, and hats. Long underwear and thermal gear are nice to have on hand for those arctic days.
6. Ice Scraper and Salt
If your senior loved one is still driving, make sure they have access to plenty of salt. They should salt the path to their car and the rest of the driveway. An ice scraper and snow brush will be invaluable to clear off their car. This will help them prepare to drive after the storm and road conditions have improved. A long-handled or extendable scraper is best to minimize their falling risk.
If your senior loved one cannot lear their walkways themselves, see if someone in the family is willing to stop by and clear them. If a family member is unable to help, consider hiring a snow removal company or a neighborhood kid to come by and clear the walkways for them.
7. Fun plants
The winter months can be sad and lonely. Try to open the blinds and curtains to let in some natural light to help prevent Seasonal Affective Disorder. If your senior loved one does not already have a houseplant in their window, get them a Christmas Cactus! A Christmas Cactus is beautiful and exciting to watch bloom. They can care for it and watch it grow and bloom during the bleak winter months. Plus, a plant can warm and cheer up any room. They can also share with friends and family by snipping three links and planting them in another pot,
8. Eye Drops
The dry winter months can lead to dry eyes and irritation. Make sure your senior loved one has eye drops to relieve the pain of dry eyes this winter. If your senior loved one has any medical conditions or consults a doctor regularly, confirm that eye drops are safe. The doctor might even be able to recommend a good bottle of drops.
9. Slippers
No one likes cold feet! Socks can be slippery and thin and shoes are not always comfortable to wear around the house. A happy medium is cozy non-slip slippers. In addition to keeping feet warm and providing slip prevention, a cute pair of slippers is always fun.
10. Night lights
During the winter months, it gets darker earlier. Make sure dark areas of the house are well-lit for fall prevention. Also, make sure staircases and hallways have night lights to keep the ground well-lit to help prevent falls. Some people find darkness can be somber, so adding lights in dark areas is also a great way to cheer up the house.
Make sure your senior loved one is safe and healthy this winter. These ten items are great steps to keep your senior safe, healthy, comfortable and supported this winter. For more information on how to prepare your senior loved one for winter, download our free eBook!
