Winter is here, bringing colder weather and shorter days. Before diving into hot cocoa and holiday movies, take a few steps to prepare your family and home for the season.
Keep Your Home Warm and Ready
Make your home a cozy spot to escape the chill. Seal any drafty windows and doors with weatherstripping or caulk to keep the cold air out and the heat inside. Check your furnace or heater to ensure it’s working correctly, and clean out filters and vents to help spread the warmth.
Power outages can happen, so keep flashlights and extra batteries handy. LED lanterns are another great option for long-lasting light. With a bit of prep, your home will be ready for whatever winter throws your way.
Get Your Winter Gear in Check
Staying warm is all about having the proper clothing. Stock up on thermal layers, sweaters, and waterproof jackets. Don’t forget hats, gloves, scarves, and insulated boots—they make a big difference when the temperature drops.
To make life easier, keep all your winter gear in one spot near the door for quick access when you need it.
Stay Healthy This Winter
Winter often brings the sniffles. Make sure you have cold and flu medicine on hand, and refill any prescriptions ahead of time.
Set up a space for light indoor exercise like yoga or stretching to stay active. Eat foods rich in vitamins, like oranges and leafy greens, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. A little planning can go a long way in keeping your family healthy.
Be Ready for Snow and Ice
Winter weather can make even simple errands tricky, but being prepared can make things easier. Keep your pantry stocked with non-perishable foods, bottled water, and pet supplies in case you’re stuck at home for a few days.
Check your car’s tires, battery, and windshield wipers, and put together a small emergency kit with blankets, snacks, and a flashlight. Clear your walkways of snow and ice at home, and use sand or salt to prevent slips. These simple steps will make winter weather less stressful.
Stay Connected with Loved Ones
Cold weather and shorter days can make it harder to visit family and friends, so it is important to find ways to stay connected.
Plan regular phone or video calls, especially with loved ones who may feel isolated. Devices like tablets or smart home assistants can make it easier to stay in touch.
For an extra boost of connection, Companions can offer conversation, company, and support to brighten your or your loved ones’ day. You can sign up for free to view Companions available in your area and book for as little as one hour. A small connection can go a long way in lifting spirits.
Prepare for the Unexpected
Winter storms and power outages can happen, so it’s always wise to be ready. Put together an emergency kit with water, non-perishable food, blankets, flashlights, batteries, and a first-aid kit. Use a weather radio or an alert app to stay updated on changing conditions.
Make Winter Simple
Getting ready for winter doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few easy steps—like prepping your home, staying active, and keeping in touch with loved ones—you can enjoy a cozy and stress-free season.
The Villi team is here to help.
Need an extra hand this winter? Then, consider Villi’s homemaker and companionship services. Our team of friendly, compassionate Companions takes great pride in serving people in their community who need light assistance with daily chores, some company and conversation, or convenient transportation for errands, appointments, or trips to the store.
Explore our services to learn more about our:
- Homemaker and companionship services
- Easy-to-use scheduling platform
- “Best Value” service pricing
- Only 1-hour service minimum
Sign up in seconds to enjoy free 24-hour access to our on-demand scheduling platform, where you can view our team of vetted compassionate companions.
If you have questions about our services, please call 1-844-624-5646 to speak to one of our caring service Advisors.
Article Sources:
National Institute on Aging (NIH) – Tips for Older Adults To Stay Safe in Cold Weather
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Winter Weather: Before, During, and After