Winter Is Coming — Is Your Parent’s Home Ready?

As Midwest temperatures begin their slow drift downward, many of us shift into holiday-prep mode. For many of us, this season brings another layer of responsibility: making sure Mom or Dad’s house is safe, secure, and ready for winter.

Late fall and winter in Central Iowa can be unpredictable and unforgiving. A home that isn’t prepared can lead to bigger issues: drafts that drive up energy bills, icy walkways that put loved ones at risk, or malfunctioning heating systems that stop working during the coldest cold stretch. For older adults who want to remain independent, these challenges can be overwhelming.

A few proactive steps can make a world of difference in keeping your parent’s home cozy and safe, without adding another set of tasks to your already full plate.

Midwest Winter Home Tasks for Older Adults Aging in Place

1. Check the Heating System Before It’s an Emergency

Furnace tune-ups and filter changes are easy to forget until something goes wrong. Schedule the maintenance now and ensure consistent heat, safer air quality, and fewer surprise repair bills.

If your parent uses space heaters or electric blankets, now is the time to check cords, placement, and safety features. Additionally, change the smoke detector and carbon monoxide batteries (yearly) and test the dectors.

2. Prepare the Entryways and Walkways

Ensure the outside of the home is ready for snow and ice to reduce the risk of slips and falls.

Consider:

• Clear clutter from walkways and ensure grass is trimmed well along the edge

• Check handrails for safety, improve existing or add new if necessary

• Stock ice melt or sand, add an old plastic cup, and make sure it’s easy and convenient to access and spread

• Ensure the shovel is in good working order

• Check exterior lighting

These small adjustments are especially important if your parent is still coming and going independently.

3. Weatherproof Windows and Doors

Drafty windows and gaps under doors not only make a home uncomfortable, but they can dramatically increase winter heating costs.

Simple fixes like weatherstripping, sealing cracks, or adding insulated curtains help keep heat in and cold out. For older adults, this isn’t just about comfort; it supports their health, reduces fall risks from cold floors, and keeps the home operating more efficiently.

4. Review Winter Supplies and Emergency Items

Ice storms wreak havoc in Central Iowa and can lead to several hours without heat and lighting. Your parent’s winter preparedness kit should include:

• Working flashlights with easy to turn on/off functionality

• Extra blankets

• Shelf-stable food and bottled water

• Charged backup power sources

• Medications refilled ahead of storms

• A plan for emergencies, including who they’ll call

Taking care of these items now prevents last-minute stress when a storm rolls through.

5. Organize Holiday-Season Tasks Early

As the holidays approach, everyone's to-do list grows. Supporting an aging parent can mean more errands, more planning, and more mental load during the most stressful time of the year. Think ahead about:

• Grocery runs

• Seasonal cleaning and decorating

• Gift shopping and wrapping

• Preparing spaces for overnight guests

Thankfully, Central Iowans don’t have to carry the burden alone.

Let Simply Golden Solutions Lighten the Load

Your time is limited. Ensure your parent’s home is ready for winter weather and the holidays without having to sacrifice time, energy, or peace of mind.

My Household Management Services offer hands-on winter-prep support especially designed for older adults aging in place. Simply Golden Solutions helps with:

• Scheduling and managing home maintenance

• Prepping for winter weather

• Coordinating safety upgrades

• Decluttering and prepping for holiday guests

• Grocery, errand, and gift shopping support

• Home check-ins for those traveling

This is more than a checklist for me. This is about creating a cozy, secure environment for your parents and giving you and your parents time and peace of mind during an already busy season.

If you want to ensure your parent’s home is ready for winter (without adding more to your plate), I’m here to support you. Together, we can make sure they stay safe and comfortable all winter long — and that you can enjoy the season with less stress and a lighter load.

📍 Serving West Des Moines, Urbandale, Grimes, Ankeny, Johnston, Saylorville, Bondurant, Des Moines, Altoona, Pleasant Hill, Carlisle, and Norwalk

📞 Schedule a Household Management Service with Simply Golden Solutions today. We’ll help you reduce the stress this holiday season.