Before the First Cold Snap: The Fall Home Check That Keeps Seniors Safe All Winter

Cold weather changes more than the temperature outside — it changes how a home actually works. In this episode, retired Occupational Therapist, Certified Aging in Place Specialist, and Dementia Care Specialist Esther Kane walks listeners through a simple fall home check that prevents the most common cold-weather problems for older adults: early darkness on familiar walking paths, wet entryways, homes kept dangerously cool, space heater fires, and carbon monoxide symptoms that get mistaken for a winter bug. She also shares specific guidance for families caring for someone with dementia, who may not recognize or report being cold. Nearly every step costs little or nothing — but only works if it's done before the first cold snap. Visit SeniorSafetyAdvice.com for more tips and resources on staying safe and independent at home.