7 Winterizing Tasks for Seniors (And 5 That Should Be Handled by Professionals)
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7 Winterizing Tasks for Seniors (And 5 That Should Be Handled by Professionals)

The winter season can be one of the most gratifying times of the year—lights and cozy fireplaces burning bright. Notwithstanding, it can be a challenging time, especially for seniors. Winter's harsh, icy, and chilly conditions can be specifically dangerous for the elderly. Other than the increased risk of falls, senior citizens are also susceptible to pneumonia and flu. It's, therefore, important to ensure that senior loved ones are ready for the rigors of winter.

Winterizing Tasks for Seniors

Here are some of the winterizing tasks that seniors can safely handle by themselves:

Dress Warmly

Chilly temperatures can be more than unpleasant—they can be dangerous, especially to the elderly. Seniors can dress in layers to stay comfortable indoors and warm when outside.

Stocking Basic Emergency Supplies in a Car

The seniors who drive can keep essentials like blankets, extra batteries, flashlights, and snacks, in case of emergency.

Maintaining Regular Contact

Seniors can also maintain regular contact with loved ones, as this can help them cope with isolation and loneliness during cold weather.

Wearing Shoes with Good Traction

Seniors can avoid slipping by wearing shoes with non-slip soles and good traction. In case they use a cane, they should ensure that the cane tip is not worn.

Maintaining a Varied Diet

When it's cold, seniors are less likely to get the required sun exposure for their bodies to produce vitamin D. To remedy this, seniors can also ensure that they take food with vitamin D and other required nutrients to remedy this situation.

Here are some tasks that seniors can do with the help of a caregiver:

Gutter Cleaning

Cleaning gutters can be a little dangerous to seniors since it can lead to falls. Most of them, therefore, need the help of a professional to ensure their gutters are clean before winter kicks in.

Stocking The Pantry with Food

Although some seniors can cook and maintain a good diet, at times, it might be difficult for them to go to the grocery stores, needing a helping hand.

Tasks That Require Professional Help

Here are some of the winterizing tasks that are dangerous for seniors:

Chimney Inspection and Cleaning

Cleaning and inspecting the chimney for seniors is better left to the professionals. Having it cleaned by experts offers a sense of security and peace of mind knowing it was done well and prevents any unnecessary injuries.

Replacing Screen Doors and Windows

Removing all screen doors and windows and replacing them with storm windows and doors also require professional knowledge. Besides helping reduce air leaks and adding a layer of insulation, storm windows help protect primary windows from winter elements.

Making Vehicles Winter-Ready

Some seniors who drive might not have enough ability to check tires, oil, antifreeze levels, battery, and windshield wipers by themselves. It's, therefore, crucial to have their vehicle serviced by a professional frequently.

Getting the Heating System Checked

Having professionals inspect the heating system plays a big role by ensuring they have heat when chilly days arrive. Professionals have the right knowledge of what could be wrong with a heating system and how to solve it, so besides safety, they help save time.

Roof Inspection

Having a professional check for damaged or missing shingles, rot, mold, or moss and then repairing them can help seniors secure their homes during winter.

Bottom Line

Whenever winter approaches, seniors must prepare well so that they will be ready for those cozy evenings in front of the fireplace without any concerns about winter and the trouble it can bring.

At Senior Helpers of Palo Alto, we strive to help seniors living in or around Palo Alto, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, and Menlo Park (all in CA) to receive proper care and attention. Our caregivers are well-trained to support senior loved ones during winter and all other seasons. Get in touch with us today to learn more.