Are you and your elderly loved ones ready for the cold months ahead? Winter is just around the corner, so it is important to prepare your homes so you can stay safe and healthy. 

1. Walk Carefully!

Ice and snow can cause slippery paths. Falls are a concern, especially for seniors. Put down road salt, cat litter or sand, wear shoes with good traction and stay inside until paths are clear. Some organizations offer volunteers to help with shoveling. Check it out here!

2. Prepare Your Home's Heat for the Winter

Help prevent house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning by taking a few precautions:

• Have chimneys and furnaces inspected.
• Make sure smoke detectors are on all levels of the home and the batteries are good.
• Make sure there are carbon monoxide detectors in the house.
• If you must use a space heater, make sure to keep anything that could burn at least three feet from the unit.
• Keep a fire extinguisher ready and know how to use it.

3. Make Sure Your Car is Winter Ready

Bring your car in to have the oil, tires, battery and wipers checked. A car in good shape can make a difference on winter roads. Keep your gas tank full, let someone know where you are going and pack an emergency travel kit with items like a flashlight, blankets, water and a first aid kit. Avoid driving during and after winter storms.

4. Stay Warm!

Seniors generally are more susceptible to hypothermia, so dress warmly and in layers. Don't let your thermostat dip too low. If going outside, wear a hat, gloves, warm socks and a heavy coat. A scarf can cover your mouth and protect your lungs. Warm drinks and meals can also keep your body temperature up.

On October 15, Stephen Kiernan spoke to our community on the importance of palliative care and hospice in Vermonters' lives.

More than 300 people gathered for the VNA Madison-Deane Initiative (MDI) community event, including Vermont health care administrators, policy makers, Fletcher Allen Health Care leaders, physicians, business leaders and community members.

Vermont is currently in the lowest 10% nationally for hospice utilization. Stephen, who has researched this topic, shared his findings and provided recommendations to help inspire and motivate change so we may improve our ranking. 

Following his talk, the VNA announced that MDI, with support from VNAs of Vermont, is commissioning a statewide study to examine end-of-life care in Vermont, to understand Vermonters' current experiences, and to inform our actions as a state to ensure quality care at the end of life.

We recognize the need to deepen our understanding of the barriers to hospice specific to Vermont. The study will explore multiple aspects of end-of-life care with health care professionals, Vermont residents and our hospice agencies.

You may view Stephen's presentation here.

We also encourage you to Start the Conversation with your family, with your physician and in your community. Visit:

www.starttheconversationvt.org