Autumn Safety Tips for Seniors

Autumn is in full swing, which means it’s time to check in on seniors living at home to ensure they are living as safely as possible. Many different environmental changes occur from summer to autumn, including less daylight, more leaves on the ground, and cooler temperatures. While these may not be a big deal to many people, seniors practicing independent living may struggle to adjust to them. Here are some tips to help seniors get through the autumn season safely.

Inspect The Lighting In And Around The Home

With daylight not lasting as long, it’s essential to inspect the lighting in and around the home. Sufficient lighting is especially critical inside the home to ensure trip and fall hazards are minimized. Stock up on extra light bulbs, invest in night lights and buy enough batteries to last you through the autumn and winter months. And if you’ll be spending time outdoors when it’s dark, consider investing in a motion light or other type of light to illuminate walkways or your wheelchair ramp.

Ensure Thermostats And Heaters Are Working

Make sure your heater and thermostat are working properly before the first big cold front blows through. And if seniors living at home use a fireplace, now is the time to clean the chimney to prevent an accidental fire from starting. The last thing you want to happen is to be unprepared for the cold weather, so test all of these components before it gets too cold so you know you’re ready when it arrives.

Keep Walkways Free From Leaves

Leaves on the ground may not be a problem for some people, but they can significantly impact seniors living at home. For one, it’s difficult to see anything underneath the leaves, so you don’t know what you’re stepping on. Also, leaves can be slippery and can increase the risk of falling. Make sure all the leaves are cleared from walkways and the wheelchair ramp of the home so seniors can feel stable and balanced when entering and exiting the home.

Maintain Healthy Habits

When temperatures drop, it’s easy to neglect your exercise routine and fall into poor eating habits. It’s critical to avoid falling into these traps because they are necessary to keep the immune system strong to fight off any illnesses. Plus, regular physical activity keeps your muscles and joints healthy so you can maintain balance and stability. If you’re caring for a loved one, make sure the home is set up in a way to promote movement and help them with groceries if needed.

Next Day Access can help seniors maintain independent living throughout the autumn and winter months. Small adjustments in and around the home can make a huge difference. Whether it’s installing a wheelchair ramp, investing in a lift chair, or simply adding some lighting around the home, now is the time to evaluate your space and determine what you need. If there’s anything we can assist with, don’t hesitate to contact us at any time.