What does home mean to us? If each of us described home, the definitions would be as unique as a snowflake, dependent upon each person’s experiences and situation. Hopefully home is a place to feel safe and warm — the latter being very important this time of year in Northeast Ohio.

As an advocate for seniors, one important point to remember is that the senior’s choice of home is first and foremost.

Everyone loves the comforts of their own home, the familiarity of surroundings and the long-lived memories made.

Staying in that home allows continuation of daily routines and connections to the neighborhood.

All of these reasons help maintain that quality of life and feeling of independence.

This choice is called “aging in place” and is a common desire for older adults.

In-home programs are available to allow aging adults to remain in the comforts of their homes. Trumbull County Senior Levy Services and other state-funded programs support the idea of aging in place, with available services like home-delivered meals for those who have difficulty preparing meals.

The meals are developed per dietary standards to assure proper nutrition and, as a side benefit, home delivery is a wellness check to assure that the older adult is safe in the confines of their home.

Other programs include homemaker services to keep the interior clean, personal care for the individual, such as bathing assistance, and even lawncare and snow removal for the exterior.

Beyond Senior Levy services, funding is available for home modification to allow safety features to prevent falls.

All of these programs help maintain the dignity and quality of life to remain safe and warm at home.

But a warm home is taken for granted by many. Stepping outside and feeling the effects of windchill should remind us that some do not have a warm place.

Recently, at a meeting, a speaker from The Youngstown Blue Coats provided information regarding their program.

The message was strong, which is why this article is about home.

This volunteer program is involved with doing the best they can to keep the population served warm and safe from freezing.

Per the website, The Youngstown Blue Coats’ intent is to continue to collect sleeping bags and other warming items, distributing these to the homeless.

Additionally, Blue Coats look to fundraisers and concentrated donation drives using email, social media, text and direct requests to raise money.

These donations support the mission of providing for the homeless wherever found. To donate or to volunteer, more information can be found at www.ytownbluecoats.org.