How Seniors Can Prep Their Homes for the Winter

Though fall is in full swing, it’s never too early for Jenkintown seniors to start preparing for winter. Dropping temperatures, icy roads, and slippery walkways can all be potential safety hazards to older adults and increase the risk of hyperthermia, slips, trips, and falls.

3 Tips to Get Your Home Winter-Ready

Seniors must get their homes winter-ready well before the first snowfall to stay safe. Need some help? Here are three tips older adults can use to prepare their homes for the cold season.

1. Check Your Heater

Older adults are more prone to hyperthermia, and even mild temperatures ranging from 60 to 65 degrees can pose a health risk. As such, it is important to ensure your home’s heating system is in tip-top shape.

Call a reputable and certified HVAC company to schedule an annual heater inspection. Get any necessary repairs completed right away. This guarantees your home will be well-heated and can save you money on utility bills.

Some of the best HVAC repair companies in Jenkintown, PA, are Goodman HVAC and Bill Frusco Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning.

A few other ways you can keep your home warm in the winter are:

Insulating your windows and doors
Installing storm windows
Having your chimney professionally cleaned

2. Get Ready for Ice and Snow

While winters in Jenkintown, PA, don’t typically see many blizzards, it’s still essential for seniors to be ready to tackle ice and snow. This saves them the headache and hassle of being snowed in and also reduces their risk of slips.

We recommend never trying to shovel your driveway and walkways yourself. Instead, make arrangements with a trusted neighbor or lawn care company to do the job for you. Many local agencies can also help with these services.

3. Have an Emergency Plan

Emergencies happen, and seniors must have a plan in place. This is especially true during the winter months. Keep a list of emergency contacts in an accessible location. You should also pack an emergency kit in the event of a power outage. A good kit includes:

Non-perishable food
Bottled water
Light sources, like a flashlight or lantern
First-aid kit
Prescription medications
Blankets
Emergency radio

Visiting Angels of Jenkintown, PA, Keeps Seniors Safe

Do you need help getting your house ready for winter? Visiting Angels of Jenkintown, PA, is here to assist! Our in-home caregivers can drive you to the store to stock up on supplies and help with light housekeeping, meal planning, medication management, and more. We proudly serve residents throughout Jenkintown, Abington, Huntingdon Valley, Glenside, Chestnut Hill, Flourtown, and the surrounding areas.

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