A Practical Guide to Winterizing an Elder's Home

For older adults, the changing seasons are more than just a shift in the weather; they present a unique set of challenges that can turn a home from a sanctuary into a hazard. Proactively winterizing an elder's home is not merely about comfort: it's a crucial step in preserving health and independence through the colder months. By focusing on four key areas (heating, slip prevention, lighting, and weather-specific threats) families and caregivers can create a safe harbor for the elders they love.

Ensuring Reliable and Safe Warmth

The number one priority is maintaining a warm and consistent indoor temperature. An aging body is more vulnerable to hypothermia, which can set in even in cool indoor temperatures.

·      Furnace Inspection: Begin with a professional inspection of the heating system. This ensures it is operating efficiently and, most critically, checks for carbon monoxide leaks. Install battery-operated CO detectors on every floor, especially near sleeping areas, and test them monthly.

·      Thermostat Accessibility: Ensure the thermostat is easy to read and use. Consider upgrading to a simple programmable model that can automatically lower the temperature at night and raise it in the morning, or a smart thermostat that can be monitored remotely by a family member.

·      Draft Prevention: Check windows and doors for drafts. Applying weatherstripping or using simple draft stoppers can significantly improve heat retention and reduce energy bills. For elders on a fixed income, this is both a safety and a financial benefit.

·      Safe Supplemental Heat: If using space heaters, they must be placed at least three feet away from anything flammable—including curtains, bedding, and furniture. Choose models with automatic shut-off features if tipped over and ensure they are plugged directly into an outlet, not an extension cord.

 Icy pathways and slick indoor surfaces are a major cause of serious injury for seniors during winter.

·      Outdoor Traction: Before the first freeze, ensure that a family member, neighbor, or hired service is committed to salting and sanding driveways, walkways, and steps. A good pair of shoes with non-skid soles should be kept by the door for brief trips to the mailbox.

·      Indoor Slip-Proofing: Inside, the transition from wet boots to dry floors is a key danger zone. Place non-slip, non-trip mats both inside and outside all entrances. Immediately dry any wet spots on hard floors. Remove throw rugs that can bunch up or use a strong rug gripper tape to secure them firmly.

·      Bathroom Safety: The bathroom is a year-round risk that becomes more pronounced in winter. Ensure grab bars are installed in the shower/tub and next to the toilet. A non-slip bath mat is essential, as are adhesive non-slip strips in the tub itself.

Combating the Early Darkness

The days shorten dramatically in winter, leading to longer periods of darkness that can increase isolation and fall risk.

·      Exterior Lighting: Ensure all outdoor pathways, porches, and doorways are well-lit with high-lumen bulbs. Motion-sensor lights are an excellent investment, automatically illuminating the path for someone coming home after an early sunset.

·      Interior Glow: Create a well-lit path indoors. Use nightlights in hallways, the bathroom, and between the bedroom and kitchen to prevent disorientation and falls during nighttime trips. Place lamps next to favorite chairs for reading and activities, combating the Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) that can accompany reduced sunlight.

Beyond the cold, winter brings other weather challenges that require preparation.

·      The Ice Dam Threat: For those in houses, educate on the signs of ice dams—ridges of ice that form at the edge of a roof. Ensure gutters are clean to allow for proper drainage and that the attic is properly insulated to prevent snow from melting and refreezing at the eaves.

·      Emergency Preparedness: Create a simple winter emergency kit. This should include a flashlight with extra batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, a supply of non-perishable food and water, and a list of emergency contacts in large print. Ensure medications are refilled before a major storm is forecast.

·      Social Connection: Winter weather can lead to dangerous isolation. Arrange a check-in system—a simple daily phone call from a neighbor or family member—to ensure well-being and provide social contact.

Preparing for winter can feel overwhelming, especially for an elder living alone or for a family member at a distance. This is where a geriatric care manager becomes an invaluable partner. These professionals can conduct a thorough safety assessment of the home, identify risks specific to the winter season, and help coordinate the necessary services, from hiring a handyman to install grab bars to arranging for reliable snow removal. They can also help create a comprehensive winter preparedness plan, ensuring that both the home and the support system are in place to navigate the season safely and comfortably, providing peace of mind for everyone involved.

If you or an elder loved one have questions about navigating the challenges of aging as winter peeks around the corner, feel free to contact the Geriatric Care Managers at Senior Steps. We offer free 15-minute consultations over the phone at 617-405-8796 or online at SeniorSteps.org/book-online.