Getting Ready for Winter

The leaves have just begun to change color, there’s a slight chill in the air, and you and your loved ones are ready to enjoy fall, when, BAM, it’s over. In many parts of the country, it seems like fall comes to an abrupt halt and we’re just not ready. Remember those infamous Halloween snowstorms or dangerous late-fall ice storms? You never know when fall will walk out the door and winter will saunter in, so helping your loved one be prepared for this unannounced long-term guest now, will prevent hardships when winter does come knocking.

Clothing

Now is the time to check all of that winter wear out so if your loved one needs to take a trip to the local clothing store with her senior home care provider, she can do it now while the weather is still enjoyable. Here are just a few clothing items your loved one and her senior care provider can review now.

• Boots. Are your loved one’s boots still in good shape? Check the soles to make sure treads are not overly worn and look at the lining to ensure it is thinning out too much.
• Hats/Mittens/Scarves. Before the cold wind blows, have your senior home care provider do an inventory check on these winter accessories that often get lost or misplaced so your loved one has what she needs when those temps dip.
• Coat. Make sure the pockets are hole-free and the zipper works easily. There’s nothing worse than a zipper breaking on a cold day.

Home

There are plenty of household chores your loved one might need help with for the winter. The main ones revolve around keeping her warm and keeping her safe. Make sure you have shovels and salt for the sidewalks long before the first snowfall. In the home, check windows for drafts, make sure the heat is working, and wash those warmer linens so when the time comes, it’ll be easy to switch them out.

Car

If your loved one is still driving her own vehicle, it’s always great to bring it in for a seasonal check. The mechanics should check things like the tires, the windshield wipers, the brakes, and of course, the heating unit. This is also a really good time to restock that emergency kit that is kept in the trunk. If food items are a part of it, make sure they’re not expired. The upcoming colder months can make it a good time to add an extra blanket in the car, along with extra hats, gloves, and scarves.

Yard

If your loved one has a yard or even a small patio, it’ll soon be time to get all of that outdoor furniture stored away and take care of any plants that need it. She still has time to enjoy both, but taking care of it sooner rather than later will help ensure nothing gets buried under an unexpected snowstorm.

In the meantime, remember to go enjoy the gorgeous fall weather. Soon enough, winter will be here, and this year, your loved one will be prepared.