According to the National Institute on Aging, about 20% of injuries related to exposure to cold occur in the home. If you or your loved ones live in a warm-all-year state, you’re in luck as far as winter weather is concerned. But residents in the majority of the country should take some time to prepare before the cold weather hits to ensure their seniors are set for the season. Here are six things to get your favorite seniors and their homes ready.
1. Have the HVAC serviced
HVAC units are meant to be serviced at least twice a year: once in the summer months for air conditioning and again in winter for heating elements. Setting up servicing before the cold months hit ensures any repairs happen before they become urgent and keep your unit in top shape for the months ahead.
2. Set the thermostats
Even 60 to 65-degree temperature settings are too cool for many seniors. Instead, set thermostats to at least 68 degrees in cold weather. If your senior lives independently, consider updating their thermostat to a smart device with Wi-Fi connectivity. With permission, you can use the associated app to check in on their home’s temperature and settings any hour of the day.
3. Stock the freezer
Putting a few healthy meals they can easily pop in the Instant Pot is a great idea any time of year, but restocking ahead of winter ensures there’s a healthy meal accessible, even if they get snowed in. A case of low-sodium canned soup (with pull tab opening) is smart to keep on hand ahead of the winter months, as it’s relatively easy to heat even if the power goes out.
4. Check the emergency kit
Regularly replenishing the emergency kit is a good practice for everyone, regardless of age. Take a few minutes to review your senior’s kit ahead of the season to ensure everything’s up-to-date and fully stocked. Make sure their kit includes a thermal blanket as well.
5. Replace smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries
Set a date on the calendar every fall to replace the batteries in each of their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Check the manufactured date on the detectors when you’re changing the batteries—they do need to be replaced periodically. While the life expectancy varies by manufacturer and model, many last seven to 10 years.
6. Set up a winter weather service
Many injuries happen as a result of lost balance any time of year, and slipping on untreated ice or while shoveling is the last thing anyone wants. If you are personally able to get to your senior’s home—even if the roads are unsafe for travel—you’re set. Otherwise, check in with your loved one’s neighbors or consider scheduling a professional service to clear ice and snow in the case of inclement weather.
Being ready for winter weather is mostly about preparing before it happens. Taking the time now can save lots of headaches and injuries later.
