Winter weather has arrived in B.C., bringing snow and freezing temperatures. It’s essential for seniors and those who provide their care to be prepared. Below are some key tips to help maintain safety and warmth during the cold weather.
Some useful tips to keep homes warm and safe:
- Schedule a heating system inspection to ensure it’s functioning properly.
- Make sure your backup electricity generator supplies power to your portable heating equipment and basic lighting.
- Using electric blankets and heating pads, which are effective ways to be warm in small spaces during a furnace breakdown. Please use with caution and never fall asleep while using them.
- Using candles, which are an inexpensive way to generate heat during a heating outage. However, please be sure never to leave them unattended.
- During the frigid weather, take off programmable thermostats out of the setback mode and set them on hold for around 22 °C.
- Limit opening exterior doors and door insulation.
- Check air vents and radiators are not blocked and allow limited/regulated flow.
- Ensuring that there are emergency lights in the rooms and hallways.
- Consider and recommend dressing in layers.
What are some cost-effective portable heaters?
Please choose portable heaters depending on your needs and room requirements. A few options are mentioned below:
- Alcohol Heaters
- Portable Propane Heaters
- Little Buddy Heaters
- Terracotta Pot Heaters
- Masonry Heaters
- Electric Space Heaters
Need more support on heating tips and best practices? Contact BCCPA Energy Manager, Ankit Patel, at ankit[at]bccare.ca or by phone at 604-736-4233 ext. 246.
Tips for staff and caregivers
- Plan ahead and allow extra travel time to account for winter road conditions.
- Dress warmly in layers and wear proper footwear to stay comfortable and prevent slips.
- If driving, keep a winter emergency kit with essentials like a flashlight, blanket, non-perishable snacks, a shovel, and a window scraper. Ensure your vehicle is winter-ready and equipped for icy conditions.
Supporting seniors who require home care services
For home health, caregivers may face difficulties reaching their clients’ homes, ultimately impacting the delivery of essential care, medications, and meals. Seniors may also face challenges trying to leave their homes to access essential services, such as grocery shopping or going to appointments.
Considering that many clients cannot access key services, we encourage the public to check in on neighbours who may struggle with leaving home for groceries or other necessities, or accessing essential services, we encourage you to stay in touch with them, check in on their well-being, and help in any way you can.
