During its harshest moments, winter can be a difficult season for almost everyone. Even more so, it can leave the oldest among us feeling particularly vulnerable. But it doesn’t have to. Ensuring that the home of your older family members or friends is well-prepared can make a significant difference in their comfort and safety. Through practical solutions and emotional support, here’s exactly how you can help winterize your loved one’s home.
Assess the Heating System
First and foremost, a functioning heating system is essential to getting through the coldest months of the year. When helping an older loved one prepare for winter, check that their central heating system, including any efficient central heating pump, is in good working order. Even before the cold weather arrives, you should schedule a professional maintenance check to address any potential issues — regular servicing can help prevent breakdowns and ensure that their home remains warm throughout the winter.
Seal Drafts and Insulate
Efficient central heating is only part of the solution. Especially in older homes, drafts and poor insulation can lead to significant heat loss, making the home colder and increasing heating costs. For a simple, cost-effective fix, seal gaps around windows and doors to prevent cold air from entering and warm air from escaping. If possible, you can also check that the home has adequate insulation, particularly in the attic and walls. Proper insulation will help maintain a stable indoor temperature and improve overall energy efficiency.
Safety Precautions
Did you know the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is greatest during the winter? If not installed or maintained correctly, furnaces, water heaters and other appliances that burn fuels like natural gas and propane can release carbon monoxide. This is why it’s so important to test and replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the home of your loved one.
In the event they lose power completely, it’s also recommended that they have an emergency kit on hand with the essentials: blankets, a torch, non-perishable food, etc.
Comfort and Accessibility
Ensuring your loved one’s home is as comfortable and accessible as possible also shouldn’t be overlooked. Small things like teaching them how to control the temperature and arranging for someone to shovel and salt walkways when necessary can make everyday tasks easier for them. When you do all of these things, you’ll improve their physical comfort but also provide peace of mind, knowing that they are well taken care of during the colder months.
