The chilly months of winter are almost here, and it's about time you start winterizing your home for safety and comfort during the cold season. Although you can safely handle some winterizing tasks in your Dallas home, you may need help with others.
Family members or a caretaker can help you with tasks that may be a little risky for you to perform. However, you should leave strenuous winterizing tasks—those that may pose an injury risk or those that require a specific skill set—to professionals. Third-party service providers can handle these tasks more safely.
Winterizing Tasks for Seniors
Here are some winterizing tasks that seniors can safely handle by themselves.
Getting Adequate Warm Clothing
To prepare for the imminent temperature drop during the winter season, senior citizens should gather their thick-layered garments in easy-to-reach places and common areas such as the dining room, bedroom, and doorway. Dressing in layers helps you stay warm outdoors and comfortable indoors when the cold season begins.
Stocking Nutritious Foods
Seniors can be at risk of vitamin D deficiency during the cold season due to a lack of sun exposure. Taking a vitamin D-rich diet can remedy the situation. They also need to consume other nutrients to boost their immunity. Seniors can stock their pantry with a variety of nutritious foods. It is good to have an adequate stock of foods that don't require cooking or refrigeration to avoid inconveniences in case of a power outage.
Equipping for Emergencies
Winter storms can sometimes lead to a power outage, and seniors in Addison should prepare for such eventuality. The preparations include the following:
- Ensuring there is a fully charged cell phone placed where you can access it easily
- Having extra medication on hand in case you can't access the chemist
- Assembling an emergency kit containing first aid necessities. Also, if you drive, keep essentials such as snacks, blankets, a flashlight, weather radio, and extra batteries in your vehicle.
Winterizing Tasks You Should Leave to Professionals
Below are winterizing tasks that seniors should leave to professionals:
Gutters Cleaning
Autumn leaves accumulate on the gutters and can cause water build-up and freezing during winter. You should engage professionals to clean your gutters since the task requires climbing a ladder which can pose a risk of falling. Professionals can help do the task quickly and at a reasonable fee before the winter kicks in.
Storm Windows Installation
If your home in McKinney has storm windows requiring winter reinstallation, you need a professional to help get the windows in place. Latches often require strength, and it won't be good for you to strain.
Maintaining your home in winter will ensure you stay warm and safe throughout the entire season. If you need help preparing for winter, Senior Helpers of Greater Dallas has a compassionate and skilled team of caregivers to help senior citizens with in-home care tasks in Dallas and surrounding regions. Contact our team today to learn about Senior Helpers' senior care and schedule an in-home care assessment.