Bucks & Montgomery Senior Winter Safety Guide

January is the coldest month of the year in Montgomery County, with an average low of 21°F and a high of 34°F.

Winter in Pennsylvania brings chilly winds, icy sidewalks, and the need for extra care, especially for seniors who want to age safely and independently at home. At Griswold, our non-medical in-home care services are designed to help you make the most of the season while staying warm, safe, and connected. It can be easy to overlook the risks associated with winter weather and staying safe. Here is an in-depth guide featuring practical tips, ways our Caregivers can help, and local resources for seniors in Bucks & Montgomery Counties.

Senior Winter Safety Guide

Home Safety & Comfort

• Clear Walkways: Slippery sidewalks and steps are a major risk. Griswold Caregivers can keep entrances clear and apply salt or sand.
• Draft-Proofing: Preventing heat loss keeps utility bills down and the home comfortable. Caregivers can identify drafts around doors and windows and apply draft stoppers.
• Thermostat Check: Maintaining a steady, warm temperature is crucial. Our Caregivers can check your thermostat to ensure proper temperatures are maintained.
• Lighting Checks: Winter brings shorter days, meaning less daylight. We can check all lighting, replace bulbs, and add nightlights to prevent falls in hallways and bathrooms.

Personal Wellness

• Hydration Reminders: When it’s cold outside, it’s easy to forget to drink water. Our Caregivers can provide gentle hydration reminders and prepare warm drinks.
• Meal Prep: We can plan and prepare nutritious meals, with a focus on hotter foods with cold temperatures outside.
• Medication Reminders: Caregivers can help stay on top of medication schedules and coordinate prescription refills.
• Exercise: Staying active is important. Our Caregivers can accompany you on walks when conditions are safe or connect you with virtual or in-person fitness classes through a local senior center.
• Dressing for Warmth: As the seasons change, seniors can often overlook the change to dress more warmly. We can help select and layer clothing appropriately for the season.

Staying Social & Connected

• Community: Our Caregivers can connect you to a local senior center for events.
• Safe Errands: When you need to go out, whether for appointments or errands, our Caregivers can accompany you. We will ensure your outings are safe and enjoyable despite the cold weather.
• Virtual: Isolation can worsen in the winter. Caregivers can help set up video calls with loved ones, assist with using tablets or smartphones, and even help you join virtual social groups or online classes.

Emergency Preparedness

• Emergency Kit Assembly: Caregivers can help assemble a winter emergency kit (flashlights, batteries, blankets, bottled water, and local emergency numbers, such as Bucks County Emergency Services: 215-340-8700).
• Weather Alerts: Caregivers can set up weather alert apps on their phone or TV, so they’re always informed about incoming storms.

Local Resources for Seniors:

Bucks County

• Bucks County Area Agency on Aging: Resources for home maintenance, snow removal, and wellness programs.
• Bucks County Senior Centers: Learn more about the 13 senior centers located throughout Bucks County, which all provide a variety of recreational and educational programs.
• Meals on Wheels Central Bucks County: Provides nutritious meal delivery.

Montgomery County

• Montgomery County Senior Services: Support for meals, transportation, and social programs.
• Montgomery County Seniors: Check out the 14 senior centers located throughout Montgomery County and see how your loved one can get involved.
• Meals on Wheels Montgomery County: Home-delivered meals for older adults.

Why Choose Griswold?
Our Caregivers are local, compassionate, and equipped to help you live safely and independently, no matter the season! From daily check-ins to helping you enjoy your favorite winter traditions, we’re here to support you in Bucks & Montgomery Counties. We offer personalized care plans tailored to your needs, daily or weekly, for safety and companionship, assistance with errands, meals, and household chores, and support with technology to keep you connected. Most importantly, we provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones throughout the harsh winter months.

Stay safe, stay warm, and let us help you make this winter your best yet. If you’re looking for home care in Bucks or Montgomery Counties, or if you or your loved one resides in Bristol, King of Prussia, Doylestown, Plymouth Meeting, Skippack, Ambler, Quakertown, Dresher, or Pottstown, contact us today to see how we can help!