Preparing for the winter season in senior living is a great idea for senior adults. In Texas, the temperatures during the winter are fairly mild, but sometimes it can get very cold in the state. In February of 2021, a historical winter event occurred that set many records and lasted for several days1. A winter safety checklist is a great resource to help you prepare for the winter months.
Calder Woods is a fully accredited senior living community that welcomes Texas seniors who are looking for an exceptional home to live out their golden years. We have independent and assisted living programs, memory care programs, respite care, and short and long-term rehabilitation for seniors of all activity levels. We design each care program around your current medical condition to help you thrive and make the most out of your time with us.
If you are thinking of moving into our senior living community, call 409.407.7636 today to schedule a tour of your new home.
A Winter Safety Checklist
Summer is quickly fading; before you know it, winter is here. The official start of winter is December 21st, but we all know it will start getting cold before then. Senior adults living at home can do several things to prepare their homes for the cold months ahead. Some of the things you can do to prepare your home for winter include:
- Checking and cleaning gutters
- Inspect the roof and attic for damage
- Check and clean the chimney
- Weatherproof windows and doors
- Protect water pipes
- Service the HVAC system
- Clean your patio or deck
If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow, check snow removal tools and make sure they are ready to go and easily accessible. If you have to shovel walkways and stairs, exercise caution—consider hiring someone to do it for you if possible. If you have a backup generator, make sure it is fueled, serviced, and ready to go.
Calder Woods welcomes senior adults who want a fulfilling retirement. Winter is coming, and we can show you how to prepare for winter in senior living. Our community is warm and inviting and offers transportation services, nutritious meal plans, and plenty of social activities to keep you active during the winter months.
Preparing for the Winter Season in Senior Living
Texas generally has mild winters with temperatures in the 50s and 60s, but it can get as low as 20 degrees below zero. While this is very rare, you need to be prepared for when this happens again.
Here are a few tips for preparing for the winter season in senior living:
Dress Warmly
Dress for comfort and warmth. Put away those summer clothes and replace them with comfy sweaters, jackets, gloves, and hats. Replace your bedding with heavier blankets to get a good night’s sleep.
Avoid Falls
When temperatures get below freezing, ice and snow can accumulate and make sidewalks slippery. Make sure you are wearing snow shoes when going outside to prevent falls and accidents.
Prepare for Power Outages
The potential for a multi-day power outage is a real concern for Texas seniors. During the last freeze, power was out for over 42 hours in some locations. Senior communities will have backup power generators in place and have plans for when the power goes out. Ask the staff what their plan is for when the power goes out again.
Stay Hydrated
Have plenty of drinking water on hand in case of emergencies or power outages. It may not feel like it, but it is important to stay hydrated even in the winter months.
Check Your Emergency Preparedness Kit
Prep an emergency preparedness kit for your parents or elderly loved ones, and make sure it has blankets, a flashlight, batteries, extra water, a cell phone, and a radio.
Knowing what to do in case of freezing temperatures can keep seniors safe and warm. Review what to do with your parents in case they lose power, and make sure their emergency kit is full and in a place that they can reach.
Join Calder Woods Senior Living Community Today for a Brighter Retirement
Calder Woods in Beaumont is a full-service senior living community that welcomes Texas seniors looking for a new community to call home. Our independent and assisted living community comes with spacious one- and two-bedroom townhomes and apartments from which to choose. Programs include housekeeping and laundry service, a variety of nutritious meals, transportation services, and plenty of social activities to fill your day.
For more information about how to prepare for winter in senior living, fill out our online form or call 409.407.7636 today to schedule a tour of your new home.
Footnotes
1. National Centers for Environmental Information – “The Great Texas Freeze: February 11-20, 2021”