Winter is near, which means it’s time to get ready for chilly weather, warm food, and the holidays. If you provide elderly care for an aging loved one in their home, it's also time to prepare for the coming snow and frigid temperatures. Here are some tips to maximize a senior's safety and comfort. 

A Guide to Home Winterization

1. Check for Leaks

Before the temperatures reach freezing, seal any drafts in the house. Even a small gap can bring in cold air, lowering the temperature inside the home and making the furnace work harder. Check windows, doors, and other entry points for cracks, peeling, broken seals, or breezes. Fill gaps with caulking and replace worn or damaged weather stripping.

2. Arrange for Snow Removal

Snow is slippery and difficult to walk through, and the ice that forms underneath can lead to falls, which are the leading cause of injury among adults 65 and older. Those receiving elderly care should not perform intense physical labor, so make arrangements for a neighbor, friend, family member, or professional service to shovel after every snowfall.

3. Fight the Dry Air

As the temperature drops, so does the moisture level of the air. Dry winters can lead to cracked, itchy, and flaky skin and bleeding. Those with skin conditions like eczema can experience flare-ups. Dry conditions can also cause sinus dryness, making people more susceptible to colds and other infections. Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. Protect your loved one’s skin with lotion and moisturizers, and make sure they drink plenty of water.

4. Schedule a Furnace Inspection

To ensure your heating system is in optimal condition, schedule an HVAC technician for an inspection. They can detect issues with the unit, take care of repairs, and perform a tuneup.

5. Prepare the Plumbing

Frozen pipes are a common and expensive issue homeowners can face every winter. Disconnect garden hoses, drain outdoor faucets, and shut off the outside water supply to avoid burst pipes. To prevent indoor plumbing problems, protect exposed pipes with insulation or heating tape. Never set the thermostat below 50°F. 

If you need assistance providing elderly care for your loved one this winter, reach out to Priority One Healthcare Services. Serving the Greater St. Louis, MO, area since 2011, this senior care agency has offered quality, one-on-one care to make life easier and more comfortable for clients. Their home health aides perform tasks that include housekeeping, bathing, laundry, meal preparation, and essential transportation. Visit their website or call (314) 776-9066 to learn more about their services.