Winter in New York brings freezing temperatures, snowstorms, icy sidewalks, and other challenges that can make everyday activities more difficult. For older adults and individuals with disabilities, these conditions may create additional safety concerns, particularly for those who rely on assistance with daily activities.

Preparing your home before temperatures drop can help reduce risks, maintain comfort, and ensure that essential caregiving routines continue throughout the winter months. Whether you’re caring for an aging parent, a family member with a disability, or someone receiving assistance through New York’s Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP), the following winter preparation tips can help create a safer home environment.

1. Make Sure Your Home Is Properly Heated

Maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature is especially important for older adults, who may have greater difficulty regulating body temperature. Prolonged exposure to cold indoor conditions can increase the risk of hypothermia and other health complications.

Before winter arrives, consider taking these precautions:

• Inspect your heating system. Schedule professional maintenance to ensure your furnace, boiler, or heating equipment operates safely and efficiently.
• Seal drafts. Check windows and doors for gaps that allow cold air inside. Weatherstripping and draft stoppers can help retain heat.
• Monitor indoor temperatures. Keep an easy-to-read thermometer in frequently used rooms, particularly if your loved one has difficulty recognizing temperature changes.
• Practice heating safety. Keep portable space heaters at least three feet away from furniture, bedding, curtains, and other combustible materials. Never use a gas oven to heat your home.

Make sure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Carbon monoxide is particularly dangerous because it cannot be seen or smelled.

If heating costs are a concern, eligible New York households may qualify for assistance through the state’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).

2. Reduce Fall Hazards Throughout the Home

Winter conditions increase the risk of slips and falls, both outdoors and inside the home. Snow, ice, wet footwear, and reduced daylight can create additional hazards for individuals with limited mobility or balance difficulties.

Start by examining frequently used areas of the home, including hallways, staircases, bathrooms, and entryways.

Consider these improvements:

• Remove loose rugs, electrical cords, and clutter from walking paths.
• Place nonslip mats near entrances to prevent tracked-in snow and water from creating slippery floors.
• Ensure staircases and hallways have adequate lighting.
• Install or inspect grab bars and handrails where needed.
• Keep mobility aids, such as walkers and canes, easily accessible.
• Arrange for snow and ice removal from sidewalks, ramps, and entrances.

For individuals who use wheelchairs or other mobility equipment, ensure that entrances and emergency exits remain accessible throughout the winter.

Family members and caregivers can also help by identifying hazards and arranging appropriate assistance with snow removal and home maintenance.

3. Prepare for Winter Storms and Power Outages

New York winter storms can cause power outages, transportation disruptions, and temporary interruptions to essential services. Having an emergency preparedness plan is particularly important when caring for someone who depends on medical equipment or regular assistance.

Create an emergency supply kit that includes:

• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Bottled water and nonperishable food
• Warm blankets and additional clothing
• A battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Essential medications and medical supplies
• A first-aid kit
• Emergency contact information
• Backup charging options for communication devices

If your loved one depends on electrically powered medical equipment, develop an individualized backup plan with their healthcare provider and equipment supplier. Identify alternative power arrangements, available emergency resources, and a safe location to relocate if necessary.

During an outage, never operate portable generators indoors or inside garages. Generators should be operated outdoors, more than 20 feet from windows, doors, and vents, to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

4. Organize Medications and Essential Medical Supplies

Severe winter weather may make it difficult to travel to pharmacies or attend medical appointments. Preparing ahead of time can help prevent interruptions in medication routines and medical care.

Review your loved one’s prescriptions before major storms and contact their pharmacy or healthcare provider about appropriate refill arrangements.

Keep an updated medication list that includes prescription names, dosages, schedules, and relevant healthcare contact information.

For individuals who rely on medical supplies, such as incontinence products, mobility equipment, or wound care materials, check inventory regularly and reorder supplies before they run low.

Certain medications and medical products require specific storage temperatures. Review their instructions and ask a pharmacist how to protect them during extended power outages.

When severe weather makes travel difficult, ask healthcare providers whether suitable appointments can be conducted through telehealth.

5. Plan Nutritious Meals and Maintain Hydration

Cold temperatures and limited outdoor activity can affect daily routines, including eating and drinking habits. Some older adults may also experience reduced thirst, making adequate hydration an important consideration during winter.

Stock the kitchen with nutritious, easy-to-prepare foods that accommodate your loved one’s dietary needs.

Soups, vegetables, whole grains, and protein-rich meals can provide convenient options during colder weather. Frozen vegetables, canned foods with appropriate sodium levels, and shelf-stable ingredients can also help maintain food supplies when grocery trips are difficult.

Encourage regular fluid intake unless a healthcare provider has recommended restrictions.

Caregivers assisting with meal preparation can help maintain consistent eating schedules, monitor available food supplies, and identify changes in appetite that may warrant medical attention.

6. Establish a Reliable Winter Caregiving Plan

Winter storms may prevent caregivers or family members from reaching the home as scheduled. Transportation delays, hazardous roads, and unexpected emergencies can interfere with established caregiving routines.

Creating a contingency plan before severe weather arrives can help minimize disruptions.

Consider identifying trusted family members, neighbors, or other available individuals who can assist during emergencies. Keep important telephone numbers readily available and establish a communication plan for situations involving travel delays or power outages.

For individuals receiving services through New York’s Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP), consumers or their designated representatives should discuss emergency planning with their personal assistants.

CDPAP allows eligible Medicaid recipients to select and direct their own personal assistants, including certain family members and friends. This flexibility can help individuals develop caregiving arrangements that accommodate their personal needs and routines.

However, any changes to authorized services, scheduling, or personal assistants must follow applicable program requirements. Consumers should contact their plan or appropriate program representative when questions arise.

7. Support Emotional Well-Being During Winter

Winter preparation involves more than physical safety. Shorter days, cold weather, and limited opportunities to leave home can contribute to loneliness and social isolation.

Encourage activities that help your loved one remain engaged throughout the season.

Regular telephone or video conversations with family members, indoor hobbies, reading, music, and enjoyable activities can help maintain social connections.

When appropriate, gentle indoor movement and exercises recommended by a healthcare professional may also support mobility and overall well-being.

Pay attention to significant changes in mood, sleep, appetite, or social behavior. If you notice concerning symptoms, encourage your loved one to speak with a healthcare provider.

Helping Your Loved One Stay Safe and Comfortable This Winter

Preparing for winter can make a meaningful difference in the safety, comfort, and independence of older adults and individuals with disabilities.

By maintaining a warm home, reducing fall hazards, organizing essential supplies, and developing an emergency caregiving plan, families can approach the colder months with greater confidence.

For New York residents who require assistance with everyday activities, CDPAP may provide an opportunity to receive personal care from an eligible family member or trusted individual.

To learn more about the program, its eligibility requirements, and available caregiving options, visit CDPAP NY or call (917) 808-8012.

Taking preventive steps today can help make the winter season safer and more manageable for everyone involved in a loved one’s care.