Falling Back—Winter is Coming

cozy photo of hot drink, book, and fall leavesAt 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 4, the time will revert to 1:00 a.m., giving us all an extra hour to snooze this weekend.

Ending Daylight Saving Time signals winter’s rapid approach. Sunset is much earlier, and long, cozy evenings stretch ahead of us. There’s a crispness in the air, the leaves are ankle-deep along the curbs, and you know the holidays are almost here.

If you’re a senior living alone, now’s a good time to prepare for a safe and healthy winter, with less worry about the hazards of ice, snow, and freezing temperatures.

Prepare your cane

If you use a cane or walker, make sure it will serve you well in the winter. If your cane is showing wear and tear, it may be time for a new one, before winter sets in. Check the bottom for smoothness, and make sure it can still grip the ground well. You can even purchase a special cane or cane attachment meant for snow and ice.

Prepare your apparel

Make sure your winter jacket, gloves, scarves, and boots are still in good condition from last winter. The last thing you want on a freezing cold day is to remember you misplaced a glove last March. Your winter shoes or boots should be well-soled and provide adequate grip on icy surfaces.

Prepare your car

If you’re still driving, bring your car for a full check up to make sure it’s in working order. You should especially check the tires for baldness, which can be quite dangerous in icy road conditions.

Prepare your home

Store a stack of extra blankets and sweaters where you can easily access them, in case of a power outage on a cold night. Also install a carbon monoxide detector in your main living spaces, as fireplaces or gas heaters can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure the batteries are full and it’s working properly.

Now’s the time to take care of these tasks, so you can go into the holiday season and winter knowing you’re prepared for whatever winter throws your way.