Home safety
A Colorado Winter Safety Checklist for Loved Ones With Dementia
Ice, early darkness, dry air and storms add risk for people with memory loss. Here’s how Denver-area families can prepare.
Front Range winters can swing from sunny to snowy in a day. For someone living with dementia, that brings extra risks: icy steps, early darkness, dry indoor air and disrupted routines. Use this checklist before the first big storm.
Entries and walkways
- Keep a bag of ice melt and a shovel right by the door.
- Arrange snow removal for steps, walkways and the driveway, ideally on an automatic schedule.
- Add sturdy handrails on both sides of exterior steps.
- Place a rubber-backed mat inside each entry to catch wet shoes.
Inside the home
- Add bright, warm lighting and night lights; it gets dark early.
- Run a humidifier to ease dry skin, nosebleeds and discomfort that can increase agitation.
- Check the furnace, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Set the thermostat to a safe, steady temperature and consider a lock or cover.
Wandering in cold weather
- Wandering is far more dangerous in freezing temperatures. Consider door alarms or chimes.
- Keep a recent photo and a description of what your loved one usually wears.
- Ask about a GPS or medical ID bracelet.
Storm plan
- Stock a week of medications, easy meals and water.
- Keep phones charged and a list of emergency contacts by the phone.
- Know who can check in if roads close. Our clients have a nearby backup caregiver for snow days.
Routines
Shorter days can disrupt sleep and mood. Keep wake and meal times steady, get daylight early, and plan indoor activities your loved one enjoys.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your loved one’s physician about their specific needs.